At least 149 killed, 150 wounded in stampede during Seoul Halloween celebrations

Emily Jacobs

October 29, 06:23 PM October 29, 07:26 PM

At least 149 people were killed and 150 were injured after becoming trapped and crushed by what South Korean authorities believe became a stampede in a popular neighborhood in Seoul Saturday evening.

Authorities are investigating what caused the "presumed stampede" to form, and families are attempting to search for relatives as scores of mostly young people remain missing and unaccounted for. The tragic incident occurred in Seoul's Itaewon district, which is known for its nightlife and narrow streets. Local media estimated that as many as 100,000 people, both tourists and locals, would be out in the neighborhood this weekend for Halloween festivities on Saturday, as COVID-19 restrictions barred people from gathering over the last two years.

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While what sparked the stampede remains unknown, fire officials said that there was no gas leak or fire in the area. Instead, authorities began receiving calls to respond to reports of people being "buried" in crowds starting after 10 p.m. local time. Pictures and video posted to social media as the stampede began showed bystanders crushed together and unable to move.

Within hours, more footage circulated, this time of emergency responders working to revive victims as they lay sprawled out on the pavement. Rescue workers and law enforcement struggled to drive through the packed streets to reach the stampede and assist, causing even more chaos as people attempted to flee the area.

A number of local hospitals are now treating the wounded. South Korean-based Yonhap News Agency reports that dozens of those killed suffered from "cardiac arrest" and breathing difficulties.

A Seoul police division commander told reporters early Sunday that little could be reported on the cause because "identifying the victims is our top priority. Our forensic teams are focused on identifying victims and collecting evidence from the site."

With the death toll expected to rise significantly, Saturday's incident is the largest peacetime disaster in South Korea since the capsizing of the Sewol ferry in 2014, which killed 304 people.

Top U.S. officials were quick to offer condolences over Saturday's tragedy.

Calling the news "heartbreaking," Jake Sullivan, the White House national security adviser, tweeted that "we are thinking about all those who lost loved ones and hoping for a quick recovery for those injured. The United States stands ready to provide the Republic of Korea with any support it needs."

Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivered a similar message, writing on Twitter: "We were deeply saddened to learn of the deadly stampede today in Seoul. We send our thoughts and deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and injured, as well as to the people of the ROK as they mourn this horrific tragedy."

When reporters asked for a reaction while in Delaware on Saturday, President Joe Biden said he was waiting to learn more details about the situation, saying he had "literally just heard about it."

“I will make a statement when I find out more about it,” he added.

Spooktacular: Get compensated $1,300 to watch these Stephen King classics

Julia Johnson

September 04, 06:40 AM September 04, 06:40 AM

Want to receive a rather penny by looking at Pennywise?

Dish Community, a satellite television firm, is hosting its 3rd yearly "Scream Occupation," in which it pays a person blessed contender to look at horror flicks. The decided on applicant will gain $1,300 for the gig.

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The winner will be tasked with viewing Carrie (initial or 2013 remake), Christine, Creepshow, Cujo, Physician Rest, Firestarter (primary or 2022 remake), It (initial or 2017 remake), It Chapter Two, Distress, The Mist, Pet Sematary (primary or 2019 remake), Salem's Whole lot, and The Shining. The viewer will also need to enjoy each and every movie in advance of Halloween.

"As you view, we’ll question you to observe how everything’s going—how’s your coronary heart fee through the frightening scenes? Which movie’s your preferred or the very least favored? Are you watching these flicks by yourself or bringing a close friend alongside so you can have evening terrors with each other?" the organization explained in a press launch.

The software asks for some standard facts from candidates and asks them to write a shorter clarification as to why they need to be chosen. They can also history and submit an optional online video about why they want the position. "Inform us why you’re the best target and what you hope to get from this expertise (apart from the $1,300, of system), and this dream—or nightmare job—could be yours!" Dish tells potential candidates.

The preferred individual will also be gifted a "survival kit" that will come "with a blanket, popcorn, candy, and some Stephen King paraphernalia" ahead of their motion pictures. The "swag bag" is valued at $350, according to the company.

Further, the organization will send out a Fitbit to keep track of heart price through the films.

Soon after finishing the motion pictures and submitting their report, the $1,300 will be paid out.

According to Dish, "This task is not for the faint of heart, but it could be for you. The great prospect has to be detail-oriented plenty of to observe their practical experience."

"They could even share their scares on social media and vlog every single time they bounce out of their seats," it implies. "No diploma is needed, nor will a drug exam or track record check be carried out having said that, candidates will have to be 18 yrs or older and a US citizen or everlasting resident to utilize."