Seoul Stampede: India Expresses Solidarity With South Korea; Jaishankar Extends Condolences

Bhubaneswar: India expressed solidarity with South Korea while its National Flag atop the Embassy of Korea in New Delhi flew half-mast as the country mourned the death of around 151 people in a Halloween stampede in Seoul on Saturday.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the stampede and said India stands in solidarity with South Korea during this difficult time.

Jaishankar, in a Twitter post, said, “Deeply shocked at the loss of so many young lives due to the stampede in Seoul. Our condolences to the families of those who lost their dear ones. We stand in solidarity with the Republic of Korea during this difficult time.”

As per reports, at least 151 people were killed and 150 others injured in the stampede during Halloween celebration in Seoul’s Itaewon district. Of the victims, 19 were identified as foreigners. They were from Iran, Uzbekistan, China and Norway.

Seoul reported dozens of people getting cardiac arrest during Halloween celebrations as thousands crowded narrow streets in the Itaewon neighbourhood. Yonhap news agency reported that around 50 people were in cardiac arrest, quoting the fire department.

Itaewon is a popular destination for celebrating Halloween in the South Korean capital. The incident apparently took place due to heavy rush of people including the tourists at the spot.