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Serious fears Aussies could be one of 151 dead in horrific Halloween crush as authorities confirm at least 19 foreigners are dead: ‘Check in with your friends and family’
- Government asks if Australians were injured in South Korea stampede
- At least 151 were killed in Halloween stampede in the capital Seoul
- Anthony Albanese shared his condolences to the country in a tweet on Sunday
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The federal government is trying to find out if any Australians were killed or injured in a stampede that left at least 151 people dead and dozens more injured in South Korea.
The disaster happened when a huge crowd celebrating Halloween on Saturday night poured into an alley in the capital Seoul, in a nightlife area popular with young people, expats and travelers.
At least 151 people died in the crowd, 19 of whom were reportedly foreigners with details of their nationality yet to be released by authorities.
The federal government is trying to find out if any Australians were killed or injured in a stampede that left at least 151 people dead in South Korea.
The disaster happened when a huge crowd celebrating Halloween poured into an alley on Saturday night in a nightlife area popular with young people, expats and travelers in the capital city of Seoul.
The Australian Embassy is urgently investigating whether Australians were involved.
Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Catherine Raper, urged the family at home to check in with loved ones who had traveled to the country.
“We are asking all Australians in Seoul to contact friends and family to let them know where you are,” she tweeted.
Labor Relations Minister Tony Burke said he was not aware of any Australians involved in the incident.
“It’s horrifying to see this story as it came across. Our embassy staff are very professional and will continue to work and be in touch,” he said.
“The death toll we’re looking at right now seems pretty inevitable that it’s going to rise.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanian shared his condolences with South Korea in a tweet on Sunday.
The Australian Embassy is urgently investigating whether Australians were involved
“Our sincere condolences to all those affected by this terrible tragedy,” he wrote.
Another 82 people were injured, many seriously, in the melee around 10:30 p.m. in Seoul’s Itaewon neighborhood.
It was Seoul’s first Halloween event in three years after the country lifted Covid-19 restrictions and social distancing.
Many of the revelers wore masks and Halloween costumes. Most were teenagers or early 20s dating after spending much of the past three years in lockdown.
Choi Sung-beom, chief of the Yongsan fire station, said many of the victims were women in their 20s, according to Reuters.
Australians concerned about the well-being of their loved ones in Seoul can call the Consular Emergency Center for Foreign Affairs and Trade on 1300 555 135. Outside of Australia, they can call on +61 2 6261 3305