[Itaewon Tragedy] Ministry of Foreign Affairs "26 Foreign Nationals from 14 Countries Deceased... Deep Condolences"

14 Countries Including China, Iran, Russia, and France
Foreign Ministry: "Will Provide All Necessary Support Such as One-on-One Matching"

On the 30th, ahead of Halloween, flowers were placed in the Itaewon area of Yongsan-gu, Seoul, to commemorate the victims of the large-scale crush disaster that occurred in the Itaewon district. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[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, ahead of Halloween Day has increased to 26. Diplomatic authorities are taking support measures for the deceased from each country and expressing condolences to the bereaved families.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the 30th at 9 p.m. that the number of foreign nationals who died in the Itaewon disaster was counted as 26 from 14 countries. Their nationalities were identified as China, Iran, Russia, France, Uzbekistan, Norway, and others. A total of 15 injured were receiving treatment dispersed at nearby hospitals, and except for six, the rest have been sent home.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is matching each foreign deceased with a dedicated staff member to provide support and is taking all necessary measures to assist with the arrival of bereaved families and funeral procedures.

In addition, Foreign Minister Park Jin sent letters of condolence to the heads of diplomatic missions in Korea regarding this disaster and plans to convey deep condolences to the bereaved families for the unfortunate accident.

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]

Earlier, on the night of the 29th, a crush disaster occurred as tens of thousands of people gathered near the Hamilton Hotel in Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. This accident resulted in 154 deaths and a total of 286 casualties. The police have identified the identities of 153 of the deceased except for one, and the fire authorities believe there is a high possibility of additional deaths among the seriously injured.

On the morning of the same day, Minister Park held an emergency situation inspection meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' comprehensive situation room and instructed all overseas missions to maintain a full emergency duty posture. Ambassadors and embassies of various countries in Korea have expressed condolences one after another and are focusing on assessing the damage to their nationals.

Meanwhile, the government designated the period from that day until the 5th of next month as a national mourning period and declared Yongsan-gu, where the disaster occurred, a special disaster area. Starting from the 31st, Seoul City plans to operate a joint memorial altar at Seoul Plaza, and Yongsan-gu will operate one at Itaewon Plaza.