See what is known about the riot that left at least 151 dead in South Korea

At least 151 people died at a Halloween event in the Itaewon neighborhood of Seoul, South Korea, on Saturday night (29). The information is from the Yongsan Fire Department. In addition, at least 150 other people were also injured.

The riot took place in a narrow alley, caused by overcrowding. People got crushed and fell into each other. Most of those injured or killed are teenagers or people in their 20s, according to local authorities.

The Itaewon district is popular with young South Koreans and expats, with dozens of bars and restaurants that were packed on Saturday for Halloween.

Here’s what we know so far about the case:

• What caused the ruckus is unclear, but witnesses said that before the riot, revelers were crammed into the neighborhood’s narrow streets and that it was difficult to get around;
• Most of the victims so far have been teenagers and people in their 20s, officials said. Many were dressed in Halloween costumes;
• Photos and videos on social media show people lying in the streets and on stretchers as rescuers provide help;
• Many victims suffered cardiac arrest and breathing difficulties, officials at the scene said;
• More than 1,700 first responders were dispatched, including 517 firefighters, 1,100 police officers and about 70 government officials;
• Authorities are having difficulty identifying victims and are asking families for help;
• The Seoul city government is also receiving reports of missing persons;
• Dozens of the injured have been transferred to nearby hospitals, with local health officials adding that the death toll is likely to rise.

the reports

Following the incident, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol ordered authorities to quickly identify victims for the sake of concerned families, according to a spokesman.

Suk Yeol immediately activated an emergency management center, with the country’s prime minister at the helm, and ordered the interior and security minister to launch an investigation into the cause of the incident, said Kim Eun-hye, a senior official from President’s public relations.

Witnesses described chaotic scenes moments before the stampede, with police on hand in anticipation of the Halloween event, sometimes having trouble maintaining crowd control.

Social media footage showed hundreds of people huddled in a narrow, sloping alley. They were crushed and immobile as emergency workers and police tried to free them.

It was the first Halloween event in three years after the country lifted Covid-19 restrictions and social distancing. Some witnesses described the crowd becoming increasingly unruly and agitated as the night deepened.

There are no Brazilians among the victims

The Itamaraty released a note on Saturday night informing that, so far, there are no reports that there are Brazilians among the victims in Seoul. “The Brazilian embassy in Seoul will be open tomorrow for the elections, and the consular sector will be able to be called upon to deal with any eventuality.”

In the same note, the Brazilian government expressed “solidarity” to the Koreans, and said that it “joins the pain of families who have lost loved ones”.

Leaders speak up

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has declared a period of national mourning. Speaking as early as Sunday morning (30), local time, Suk Yeol sent his condolences to the families of the victims and wished all the injured “a speedy recovery”.

The president said it was “miserable” to see the disaster happen in the heart of the capital and that he would come up with measures to prevent similar accidents in the future. He added that the mourning period would continue “until the treatment of the accident is completed.”

In the United States, President Joe Biden, speaking to reporters on Saturday night, reacted briefly to the tragic news from South Korea. He said he has not yet been fully briefed and will release a longer statement later.

In addition to Biden, Philip Seth Goldberg, the US ambassador to South Korea, posted on his social media saying that the US embassy is “with the Korean people”.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak tweeted: “All our thoughts are with those responding and all South Koreans at this very distressing time.”

“France is on your side,” President Emmanuel Macron said, also through a publication in French and Korean.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wrote: “The tragic events in Seoul are a shock to all of us. Our thoughts are with the numerous victims and their families. This is a sad day for South Korea. Germany is on your side.”

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted: “On behalf of Canadians, I am sending my deepest condolences to the people of South Korea today following a deadly stampede in Seoul. I am thinking of all those affected by this tragedy and wishing a speedy and complete recovery for those who were injured.”

The Australian government also sent messages of support. “Our sincere condolences to all those affected by this terrible tragedy,” wrote Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

*With information from André Rigue, Adrienne Vogt and Matt Meyer of CNN