dpa
Seoul
The number of people killed in a fatal stampede during Halloween celebrations in Seoul has risen to 153, the South Korean public broadcaster KBS reported on Sunday, citing the emergency services.
The number reported injured rose to 103 from the 80 previously reported, with 19 seriously hurt.
According to the emergency services, 22 of the dead were foreigners, while the Interior Ministry put the number at 20. The foreign fatalities are reported to include people from China, Iran, Russia, the United States, France, Australia, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Norway, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Austria.
The tragedy occurred in the nightlife district of Itaewon after reports said crowds poured into a narrow side street late Saturday night. The exact circumstances of the tragedy were initially unclear.
According to the Yonhap news agency, there were rumours of mass panic.
Witnesses said the narrow streets around the scene of the crush were so crowded that it was difficult for the emergency services to make their way through to help the victims.
The government announced it was setting up mourning altars for the victims near the site of the stampede and in the city centre. It also announced a national mourning period that will run through to Saturday.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressed his condolences to South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. “This is a sad day for South Korea and for all those close to your country and its people,” he said.
