A Canadian was among those wounded. That is, during a ruckus that killed over 150 at Seoul, South Korea. The Global Affairs confirmed Sunday. Furthermore, the Korean Canadians said they were stunned by the tragedy.
South Korea’s president has announced the nation’s mourning time in the wake of a fatal crowd surge in Seoul. There are at least 154 now dead. The young crowd was enjoying Halloween but the party quickly got out of hand. The victims included twenty foreign nationals. Thus, with one Canadian who was injured during the chaos. Dan Spector reports.
CANADIAN AUTHORITIES ARE IN TOUCH WITH THE LOCAL:
The department of federal government said Canadian authorities are currently in contact with local authorities of South Korea. Most importantly, to collect additional information and provide consular assistance to the affected.
The company said it isn’t able to divulge any additional information. Which includes, the information regarding the person injured. Furthermore, whether or not the victim was in a hospital. Alternatively, the extent of the injuries due to privacy concerns.
“Canada offers its deepest condolences to the families and friends of those killed during yesterday’s Halloween festivities. Apart from this, wishes a speedy recovery to those injured,”. The department stated in a statement that was released on Sunday. “To our friends in South Korea. We stand with you during this difficult time.”
On Sunday night, South Korean officials said that 153 people were killed and 133 wounded. Hence, following a massive Halloween Stampede, a crowd poured into a small alleyway within The nightlife area of Itaewon.
Tens of thousands are believed to have come together on Saturday night. Thus, for the sake of celebrating the event.
About two-thirds of the people who were crushed and trapped in the 97 victims were females. The majority of them were in their 20s and 30s and at the very least, four were teenagers.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety stated that the number of deaths could rise. Furthermore, since 37 of the wounded were in serious health.
Korean Canadians said they were shocked to know about the news:
“My heart is broken. Especially, since so many young people have died,” said Michaela Le. Someone, who is a member in uVillage Church in Vancouver.
This community has been “shocked” by what happened. But, the members aren’t yet able to meet informally. Furthermore, discuss about the tragedy. Therefore, it’s not yet possible to determine if any support programs are being offered to the affected, she added.
“It is such a sad sad thing for the whole country. Apart from this, even for people who are living abroad to hear a story like this.”
JeongWoong Seo, who is from Seoul but lives in Montreal. She says she doesn’t believe she knows anyone who was affected. However, she did say that her church congregation discussed the tragedy on this past Sunday.
“Today at service we talked about the news,” she added. “It’s very, very sad.”
Susan Shin, who works for the Korean Personal Support Worker Association in Toronto. Hence, told us that she was informed about the story. Obviously, when her friends told her about it on an online chat.
DEEPLY IN SORROW DUE TO THE SITUATION IN SOUTH KOREA:
“We are in deep sorrow,” she declared.
Jasper Lim of the Korean Central Presbyterian Church in Toronto said. That the congregation was praying on Sunday for the victims.
The tragedy brought to mind the deaths of young people in 2014. Hence, when the ferry vessel MV Sewol sinks. Importantly, with the students aboard said the captain.
Some have wondered if enough effort was made in preparation for Halloween celebrations. While, the others believe that the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. Obviously, led to greater crowds in the streets, he added.
The Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joined other international leaders. Ironically, to offer condolences for South Korea. He did that on Saturday following the tragic stampede.
“I’m thinking of everyone affected by this tragedy, and wishing a fast and full recovery to those who were injured,” Trudeau stated in an email.