[Itaewon Tragedy] Embassies in Korea Begin Identifying Their Nationals Affected... "Contacting Families"

151 Fatalities in Disaster Include 19 Foreigners
"Please Contact Families" Repeated Notices Issued

On the 30th, ahead of Halloween, a massive crush disaster occurred in the Itaewon area. Police forces are controlling the scene and moving busily around Itaewon, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hee-jun] As it has been reported that many foreign victims occurred in the large-scale crush disaster in Itaewon, Seoul, embassies of various countries in Korea have also begun identifying the victims. Each embassy is urging families and acquaintances to contact or update their status via social media so that they can confirm the safety of their nationals.

The U.S. Embassy in Korea stated on the 30th regarding the reception of damage reports of its nationals in this accident, "Americans in the affected area are requested to directly inform their loved ones that they are safe or update their status on social media," and "If you are in the affected area and need emergency services, please contact local authorities."

It added, "We are working with local authorities to identify additional affected U.S. citizens related to this incident and are providing consular assistance," emphasizing, "There is no higher priority for the U.S. Department of State than the safety of Americans abroad."

The British Embassy in Korea acknowledged the tragic accident in Itaewon via Twitter and said they are monitoring the situation, asking those in need of assistance to contact the embassy.

The French Embassy in Korea also announced on its website and Facebook, "In light of the tragic accident in Itaewon, the French Embassy in Korea recommends French nationals residing in Korea to immediately contact their families or acquaintances to confirm their safety," and "The embassy expresses condolences to the victims and their families and acquaintances."

According to the fire authorities, as of the morning of that day, the death toll from the disaster was counted at 151. Among them, 19 foreign nationals have been identified, with nationalities confirmed as China, Iran, Uzbekistan, Norway, and others. No U.S. or Japanese nationals have been identified.

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