[Itaewon Disaster] Park Jin Holds Emergency Countermeasure Meeting... Receives Report on Foreign Casualties

Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Jin

[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] Foreign Minister Park Jin held an emergency situation assessment and countermeasure meeting regarding the Itaewon tragedy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the 30th.

At the meeting held at 7 a.m. in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' comprehensive situation room, Minister Park received a report that among the casualties of the Itaewon accident, there were foreigners, and he instructed to urgently notify the relevant embassies in Korea and take necessary measures.

Additionally, Minister Park ordered all overseas diplomatic missions to maintain a full emergency duty posture.

After the accident, Minister Park spoke with the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Overseas Safety Protection Center who were dispatched to the scene and urged them to do their best in managing the situation and supporting the victims.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs dispatched two Overseas Safety Protection Center staff members early that morning to support the site.

The staff dispatched to the accident site assisted with tasks necessary to support foreign victims, such as foreign language interpretation and hospital transfers.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained, "In close consultation with the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, we plan to ensure that necessary follow-up measures related to foreign casualties are carried out promptly."

According to the fire authorities, on the night of the 29th, a massive crowd gathered in the Itaewon area of Yongsan-gu ahead of Halloween, resulting in a large-scale crush disaster. As of 9 p.m., there were a total of 233 casualties, including 151 deaths and 82 injuries.

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