Tragedy Strikes Seoul: Over 150 Lives Lost in Halloween Stampede

In a heartbreaking incident, more than 150 people lost their lives during Halloween festivities in Seoul, South Korea, on Saturday night.

This tragedy marks the deadliest event in the country since 2014 and has left the nation in mourning.

As the news broke, Prince William and Kate, the Prince and Princess of Wales, reached out with a heartfelt message of condolence, expressing their sorrow for the families affected by this devastating event.

The couple shared their sentiments through an official statement on Twitter, where William conveyed their love and prayers to the parents and loved ones of those tragically lost.

The message was signed with their initials, W and C, reinforcing its personal nature.

Their words echoed the grief felt not just in South Korea but around the world as the details of the incident emerged.

On that fateful Saturday evening, around 100,000 people had gathered in Itaewon, a vibrant nightlife district in Seoul, to celebrate Halloween.

This marked the first major celebration since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, allowing revelers to enjoy the festivities without social distancing or mask mandates.

However, the joyous occasion turned into chaos shortly after 10 p.m. local time when a deadly crush occurred in a narrow alleyway near the Hamilton Hotel.

Eyewitness accounts reveal the harrowing scene as the alley, only four meters wide, became overwhelmingly packed.

Social media clips depicted a crowd so dense that movement was nearly impossible.

Many bystanders rushed to assist emergency responders, performing CPR on those who had collapsed.

Jae-eon Ga Aeul, a 30-year-old patron at a nearby bar, recounted the moment of panic when he learned of the unfolding disaster outside.

A doctor who was present at the scene described how the situation escalated rapidly.

Initially tending to two victims, he soon found himself overwhelmed by the number of casualties, as the injured far outnumbered the available first responders.

The situation remained dire, with reports indicating that about 20 of the 82 injured individuals were hospitalized and in critical condition.

Among the deceased, at least 24 non-Korean nationals from 14 different countries, including China, Australia, Norway, and the United States, were confirmed victims.

As the scale of the tragedy became clear, South Korean President Yoon Suk-hyeol addressed the nation, declaring a state of national mourning.

He expressed his deep sorrow, stating that as the president, he felt the weight of responsibility for the safety of the people.

In his address, President Yoon promised that the government would prioritize recovery efforts and investigate the cause of the incident.

He emphasized the need for fundamental changes to prevent such disasters from occurring again.

Describing the event as devastating, he lamented that it unfolded during a time of celebration in the heart of Seoul.

Prince William and Kate were not alone in their condolences; leaders from around the globe expressed their sympathies.

U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden shared their grief with the people of South Korea, wishing for a swift recovery for the injured.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also extended his thoughts to those responding to the tragedy and the South Korean people during this distressing time.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joined in, offering his support to everyone affected and hoping for a quick recovery for the injured.

Meanwhile, Pope Francis I took a moment during his Sunday address in St. Peter's Square to pray for the young lives lost in the stampede, highlighting the global impact of this tragedy.

As South Korea grapples with the aftermath of this horrific event, the nation remains united in mourning.

The outpouring of support from international leaders reflects the shared grief felt across borders, reminding us all of the fragility of life and the importance of community in times of crisis.