Seoul Halloween crush: Mourning declared as South Korea survivors describe 'horrific' scenes
euronews.comA period of national mourning has been declared in South Korea after Saturday night's Halloween crush that killed at least 153 people and injured scores more in a packed nightlife area in Seoul.
The country's president has ordered an investigation into one of South Korea's worst disasters and the world's worst stampedes in decades.
On Sunday, families and friends desperately sought word of loved ones at community centres that had become makeshift facilities for missing persons.
As of midday, the Interior Ministry said at least 90% of the victims had been identified, with delays affecting some foreign nationals and teenagers who did not yet have identification cards.
At least 19 foreign nationals died in the disaster, authorities say. The number of injured was put on Sunday at 134.
World leaders expressed sadness and condolences. US President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden sent their “deepest condolences” to the families of the deceased.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described the news as “horrific”, tweeting that "all our thoughts are with those currently responding and all South Koreans at this very distressing time". French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted in both French and Korean, saying "France is with you".
In Seoul, some families wailed in grief at a local community service center near the Itaewon district, the site of the incident, as they went to file reports of those who were missing.
Announcing the mourning period, President Yoon Suk-yeol expressed condolences to the victims, mostly teenagers and people in their 20s.
"This is truly tragic," he said in a statement, extending his wishes for a speedy recovery to the many injured. "A tragedy and disaster that should not have happened took place in the heart
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