[Itaewon Tragedy] Foreign Death Toll Tentatively Counted at 20... Condolences Continue from Various Countries

Foreign Death Toll Rises from 19 to 20
Including China, Iran, Russia, and the United States

Shoes are placed at the site of the Halloween fatal accident in Itaewon, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, which occurred on the 29th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hee-jun] The number of foreign nationals who died in the crush disaster that occurred in Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, has increased from 19 to 20.

According to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters and fire authorities on the 30th, a total of 256 casualties occurred in this accident, with 153 dead and 103 injured. Authorities believe there is a concern that the number of deaths may increase among those seriously injured.

The number of foreign nationals who died has been tentatively counted as 20. Their nationalities include China, Iran, Russia, the United States, France, and Australia.

Meanwhile, ambassadors and embassies of various countries in Korea have been expressing condolences one after another over this accident.

Philip Goldberg, the U.S. Ambassador to Korea, announced around noon on the same day via his Twitter, "As a sign of condolence and respect to the Korean people following last night’s Itaewon disaster, I requested the U.S. Marines to fly the U.S. flag at half-mast at the U.S. Embassy."

On the afternoon of the 30th, when President Yoon Suk-yeol designated the period until the Itaewon crowd crush disaster recovery is completed as a national mourning period, a flag at half-mast was raised at the U.S. Embassy in Jongno-gu, Seoul, to commemorate the victims of the accident.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Colin Crooks, the British Ambassador to Korea, also expressed on Twitter, "My heart aches over the news of the disaster that occurred last night in Itaewon, Seoul," and sent "deep condolences and comfort to the Korean people, especially the victims and their families."

Foreign Minister Park Jin responded to the worldwide messages of condolence for this accident, saying, "In this heartbreaking moment, it is a great comfort to Koreans," and added, "We are making every effort to assist the injured and bereaved families, including foreigners, and to provide necessary support."

On the morning of the same day, Minister Park held an emergency situation assessment meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ comprehensive situation room, urgently notifying embassies in Korea that some of the casualties were foreigners, and instructed all overseas missions to maintain full emergency readiness.

Additionally, he communicated with staff from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Overseas Safety Protection Center who were dispatched to the scene after the accident, urging them to do their best in managing the situation and supporting the victims.

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