THE SQUIZ
At least 154 people have died and more than 130 were injured in a crush at a Halloween celebration on Saturday night in the South Korean capital of Seoul. More than 25 foreigners are among the dead, including one Australian. Authorities say most of the victims were teenagers and young people aged in their 20s, and they expect the death toll to rise. Reports say about 100,000 people went to local pubs and clubs in the area with many dressed in Halloween costumes to enjoy the first big outdoor, mask-free night out since the start of the pandemic.

WHAT HAPPENED?
That’s still being investigated, but officials and witnesses say the jam started in a narrow, sloped alleyway near Hamilton Hotel in Itaewon, an area of the city that’s popular for its thriving nightlife. As the pressure at the top grew, some fell, sending people tumbling over others. One Aussie who was there said: “There was no stampede. It was a slow and agonising crush. Authorities say they first received reports of people being “buried” in crowds at 10:24pm local time. Moon Ju-young, a 21yo who was there, said it was “at least more than 10 times crowded than usual”. Officials say many victims suffered cardiac arrest and couldn’t be saved, even after 400emergency workers arrived. Footage shows chaotic scenes with ambulances backed up and victims being given CPR by fellow revellers. It’s the deadliest disaster in South Korea since 2014, when an overloaded ferry sank, killing 304 people, mostly children.

WHAT NOW?
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol visited the scene yesterday and declared a period of national mourning until Saturday. Flags are flying at half-mast, and non-urgent events have been postponed. Yoon also promised to assist with funeral arrangements and to make physical and psychological treatment of the injured a top priority. South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo offered words of reassurance, saying their country has a “history of overcoming disasters” and asked everyone to “join so that we can overcome sorrow and rise again.” Condolences have been sent from around the world, including from US President Joe Biden, who said “We grieve with the people of the Republic of Korea”. PM Anthony Albanese also offered Australia’s condolences.