President Yoon Orders "Rapid Emergency Response and Nationwide Safety Inspections at Event Venues" Regarding Itaewon Halloween Incident

Prime Minister Han Deok-su also orders "Minimizing Human Casualties"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] President Yoon Suk-yeol received a report on the multiple casualties that occurred at the Halloween event in Itaewon, Seoul, on the 29th, and issued an urgent directive to promptly carry out emergency rescue and treatment for the affected citizens, as well as safety inspections and measures at event venues nationwide.

Regarding the Itaewon Halloween casualty incident, President Yoon instructed, "I hope that Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min, along with all related ministries and agencies, will make every effort to ensure that prompt emergency rescue and treatment are provided to the affected citizens," according to Deputy Spokesperson Lee Jae-myung of the Presidential Office.

He also emphasized, "The National Police Agency, local governments, and others should swiftly conduct safety inspections and implement safety measures at event venues to ensure that Halloween events held nationwide proceed in an orderly manner."

At the same time, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo also ordered minimizing casualties. According to the Prime Minister's Office, Prime Minister Han said, "The Minister of the Interior and Safety, the Commissioner of the Fire Department, and the Commissioner of the National Police Agency should promptly assess the damage caused by this incident and do their best to minimize casualties," and issued an urgent directive, "Related agencies must make every effort to ensure on-site safety measures and the safety of rescue personnel to prevent additional damage."

He added, "The Commissioner of the National Police Agency, the Mayor of Seoul, and the Mayor of Yongsan District should thoroughly investigate the causes and management issues of this incident and take related measures to prevent similar accidents from occurring."

According to the fire authorities, as of 11:30 p.m. on the 29th, dozens of people near the Hamilton Hotel, located in the center of Itaewon, were in cardiac arrest and receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The number of patients in cardiac arrest is currently known to be about 50.

The fire authorities reported that 81 rescue calls related to breathing difficulties and other issues have been received so far.

At 11:50 p.m. on the same day, the fire authorities issued a Level 3 response and deployed rescue personnel.

In the Itaewon area, parties were held in various places ahead of Halloween on that day.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.