Officials in South Korea said at least 153 people were killed and 82 injured when crushed into crowds during Halloween celebrations in Seoul, with the death toll in the tragedy continuing to rise.
The victims are largely in their 20s, according to the National Fire Agency. ABC News confirmed that two Americans were among the 19 foreign nationals who died.
Rescuers are waiting on stretchers at the scene where dozens of people were injured in a stampede during the Halloween festival held in Seoul, South Korea. 30, 2022.
Kim Hong-ji/Reuters
Party attendees left the scene, where scores of people were killed and injured in a stampede during a Halloween festival in Seoul, South Korea, in October. 30, 2022.
Kim Hong-ji/Reuters
University of Kentucky student Anne Gieske was among the victims, school president Eli Capilouto, in a statement on Sunday.
“Anne, a nursing student from North Kentucky, was studying in South Korea on a study abroad program this term. We have two more students and a faculty member there this term. They’ve been contacted and are safe,” Capilouto said. .
We are in contact with Anne’s family and will provide all the support we can – now and in the days to come – as we deal with this indescribable loss.” “We will be there for those in our community who know and love Anne. We also have around 80 students from South Korea in the UK – members of our community – who will need our support.”
Steven Blesi, 20, from Georgia, was also identified as one of the victims.
“The world is a darker place without Steven,” his father, Steve Blesi, told ABC News.
“Last night we received a call that no parent should receive. Our dear son Steven died in this horrific incident in South Korea, where he once studied abroad. We are devastated and ask for your prayers,” Steve Blesi said in a statement.
Kennesaw State University, where Steven Blesi is a student Published a statementsaid that she is an international business student and one of 11 students from the university in South Korea as part of her study abroad program. KSU reported that other students are safe.
“On behalf of the entire Kennesaw State community, we have thoughts and prayers for Steven’s family and friends as they mourn this incredible loss,” said President Kathy Schwaig. We contacted Steven’s family and provided them with all available University resources.”
More deaths were feared in the crush during a previous update, where losses were 120 dead and 100 injured, officials said.
A man from the rescue team receives medical attention at the scene, where dozens were injured in a stampede during a Halloween festival in Seoul, South Korea. 30, 2022.
Kim Hong-ji/Reuters
Medical personnel intervene in a stretcher after dozens of people were injured in a stampede after people flocked to narrow streets in the city’s Itaewon district to celebrate Halloween on October 8 in Seoul, South Korea. 30, 2022.
Anthony Wallace/AFP via Getty Images
The agency said many victims were transported to local hospitals for cardiac arrest after emergency CPR.
According to eyewitnesses, the disappearances occurred on Saturday night in the Itaewon entertainment district when a large crowd began to make their way through the narrow streets of the district.
Officials said the incident was first reported around 22:20 local time. Due to the crowd, it took time for the rescuers to intervene.
More than 100,000 people gathered for Halloween parties in the area known for its nightclubs. The area has bars along the narrow back streets that line the main street. According to eyewitnesses, people were trapped in these curved, sloping streets.
Eyewitness video arriving at the scene showed a massive emergency and police response, with a crowd still gathering at the scene, some in costume. CPR was seen on the street.
Authorities said the reason for the increase in the crowd is being investigated.
On October 10 in Seoul, South Korea, spectators, police and medical personnel gathered after dozens were injured in a stampede that broke out after people flocked to narrow streets to celebrate Halloween in the city’s Itaewon district on October 10. 30, 2022.
Jung Yeon-je/AFP via Getty Images
People are sitting on the street after being rescued at the scene where dozens of people were injured in a stampede during a Halloween festival in Seoul, the capital of South Korea. 30, 2022.
Kim Hong-ji/Reuters
‘It was very scary’
Janelle Story, an American who has lived in South Korea since 2016, told ABC News that the area is often crowded, especially on Halloween. But this was “another level”.
For the first time since the pandemic, we were able to actually go outside,” he said. “Itaewon is famous for being really crowded, but this was a level I’ve never seen before.”
Rescuers are working at the scene where dozens of people were injured in a stampede during a Halloween festival in Seoul, the capital of South Korea. 30, 2022.
Kim Hong-ji/Reuters
The victims’ belongings are seen at the scene where dozens of people were injured in a stampede during a Halloween festival in Seoul, the capital of South Korea. 30, 2022.
Kim Hong-ji/Reuters
“Story and a friend were jumping into the bar when the crowd started to draw around 10:30 pm,” he said.
“That’s when I saw in front of me this mass of people love to run and push and move fast and then scream and panic,” he said. “We’ve been standing and slow for a bit. And then it just happened. Bam! This wall of people came down on us.”
“I stopped filming because it was too scary,” he continued.
Story said she heard other viewers talk about people passing out. When they tried to get to the subway station, they saw fire trucks, ambulances and police cars before they got home safely.
“I can’t believe this happened. I don’t know how,” he said. “It just feels like a freak event.”
‘Heart-wrenching’ reports
The United States offered support to South Korea after the tragedy.
“The news from Seoul is heartbreaking,” said Jake Sullivan, White House National Security Adviser. said on Twitter. “We are thinking of all those who have lost loved ones and hope for a speedy recovery from the injured. The United States is ready to provide the Republic of Korea with whatever support it needs.”
President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill Biden, expressed their “deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones in Seoul.”
“Together with the people of the Republic of Korea, we grieve and wish a speedy recovery to all injured,” the president said in a statement. “The Alliance between our two countries has never been more vibrant and vital — and the ties between our peoples are stronger than ever. The United States stands with the Republic of Korea at this tragic time.”
ABC News’ Nicholas Cirone contributed to this report.
