Political circles also fully manage accident recovery... Ruling party forms emergency committee, opposition urges "full effort for accident recovery"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The political circles, regardless of party lines, urged thorough efforts to manage the aftermath of the Itaewon Halloween accident that resulted in over 150 deaths. The ruling party convened an emergency countermeasure committee meeting on the same day.

The People Power Party's emergency committee announced that it would hold an urgent countermeasure meeting regarding the Itaewon Halloween accident that morning. At this meeting, the cause of the accident is expected to be analyzed and response measures discussed.

Emergency Committee Chairman Jeong Jin-seok stated on his social network service (SNS) that it was an "unprecedented large-scale safety accident" and expressed "deep condolences and sympathy to those who lost their beloved family members."

He said, "Among the casualties were many young people in the prime of their lives who went out to enjoy the Halloween festival on their day off," adding, "As a responsible member of the government and ruling party entrusted with the lives and safety of the people, I have no words to say."

Chairman Jeong urged, "The government should focus on on-site management and treatment of the casualties," and added, "Please concentrate your capabilities to save even one more life. Unnecessary administrative reports and unnecessary site visits should not interfere with relief activities and accident management."

He requested the police to quickly identify victims through fingerprint collection and to conduct a detailed analysis of the cause. He said, "There must be a precise analysis of what preventive measures could have prevented this disaster, whether those preventive measures were taken or not," and added, "Even if it takes more time, proper analysis and countermeasures must be prepared."

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, also described the accident as "shocking and tragic," and comforted the bereaved, saying, "I do not know what words of consolation to offer to those who suddenly lost their family and friends."

He emphasized, "First, all efforts must be focused on managing the aftermath," and added, "We must concentrate on quickly identifying the victims, supporting the bereaved families, and healing and recovery of the injured. Maximum support is also needed for police officers, firefighters, and medical staff."

Leader Lee said, "The Democratic Party will unite its strength," and urged, "The central party and local committees should cancel political schedules and actively cooperate to ensure that support for the victims is carried out without any gaps."

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