Australian among people killed in Halloween celebrations crush in South Korea
An Australian is among the more than 150 people who have died in the South Korean capital after a stampede during Halloween celebrations.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it had been notified of the Australian’s death in Seoul on Saturday night, local time.
A spokesman said consular officials were providing assistance to the deceased’s family.
They are also working to help other Australians present at the event.
“The Australian government sends its condolences to the family and others affected by this tragic incident,” the spokesman said.
The disaster happened as a huge crowd celebrating Halloween on Saturday night surged into an alley in an area of the city popular with young people, expatriates and travellers.
“Our sincere condolences for all affected by this terrible tragedy,” the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, tweeted on Sunday before news broke of the Australian’s death.
Also earlier on Sunday, the Australian ambassador in Seoul, Catherine Raper, joined Albanese in conveying Australia’s condolences to the South Korean government, describing the incident as “tragic”.
“We ask all Australians in Seoul to check in with friends and family to let them know your whereabouts,” Raper tweeted.
More than 80 people were injured, many seriously, in the melee around 10.30pm in Seoul’s Itaewon district.
Choi Sung-beom, head of the Yongsan fire station, said many of the victims were women in their twenties, according to Reuters.
Up to 19 foreigners were among the dead, including citizens of China, Iran, Uzbekistan and Norway.
It was the first Halloween event in Seoul in three years after the country lifted Covid-19 restrictions and social distancing.
Many of the partygoers were wearing masks and Halloween costumes. Some witnesses said the crowd had become increasingly unruly as the night wore on.
South Korean president, Yoon Sukyeol, has declared a period of national mourning.
The disaster is among the country’s deadliest since a 2014 ferry sinking that killed 304 people, mainly high school students.
Australians concerned about the welfare of loved ones in Seoul can call the Dfat consular emergency centre on 1300 555 135. Those outside Australia can call +61 2 6261 3305.