For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emailsSign up to our free breaking news emails<\/p>\n
World leaders expressed sadness and condolences after at least 151 people were killed in a crowd surge Saturday night in Seoul, South Korea.<\/p>\n
The tragedy occurred in Seoul\u2019s Itaewon district during Halloween festivities when a huge crowd surged into a narrow downhill alley. At least 82 others were injured in the South Korea\u2019s deadliest accident in years.<\/p>\n
U.S. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden sent their \u201cdeepest condolences\u201d to the families of the deceased.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe grieve with the people of the Republic of Korea and wish for a quick recovery to all those who were injured,\u201d said President Biden in a tweet. \u201cThe United States stands with the Republic of Korea during this tragic time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Similarly, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described the news from Seoul as \u201chorrific\u201d on Twitter.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll our thoughts are with those currently responding and all South Koreans at this very distressing time,\u201d Sunak wrote.<\/p>\n
Itaewon\u2019s international character was shaped by its proximity to a U.S. military garrison nearby. The area is still home to restaurants, bars and other businesses catering to the American community in Seoul.<\/p>\n
U.S. Forces Korea, which commands the sizable American military presence in the country, expressed its condolences in a Facebook post.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Itaewon community has opened its arms to us for many years and is part of the reason our Alliance is so strong,\u201d the command said, writing in English and Korean. \u201cDuring this time of grief, we will be there for you just as you have been there for us.\u201d<\/p>\n
Leaders from countries including Japan, France, China and Singapore reacted with shock and sadness over the tragedy in Seoul.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m hugely shocked and deeply saddened by the extremely tragic accident in Itaewon, Seoul, that took many precious lives, including those of young people with their future ahead of them,\u201d Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said in a tweet.<\/p>\n
In France, President Emmanuel Macron \u2014 who tweeted in both French and in Korean \u2014 offered support to Seoul residents and South Korea.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrance is with you,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau echoed similar sentiments on Twitter, sending his \u201cdeepest condolences\u201d to the people of South Korea \u201cand wishing a fast and full recovery to those who were injured.\u201d<\/p>\n
Chinese President Xi Jinping also sent condolences to South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, expressing condolences and shock over the stampede accident in Seoul, according to a statement by the Chinese foreign ministry. He also expressed condolences to the victims of the accident and their families.<\/p>\n
Hong Kong leader John Lee said in a statement on Facebook that he was saddened by the accident in Seoul.<\/p>\n
\u201cI express profound sorrow over the passing of the victims, extend my deepest condolences to their families and wish for a speedy recovery to all those who were injured,\u201d said Lee.<\/p>\n
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that the \u201ctragic events in Seoul come as a shock to all of us.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOur thoughts are with the numerous victims and their families,\u201d Scholz said in a tweet. \u201cThis is a sad day for South Korea. Germany stands by their side.\u201d<\/p>\n
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said she was \u201cheartbroken\u201d by the tragic news from Seoul.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey were looking for a night of lighthearted Halloween festivities but instead found real horror and death,\u201d said Baerbock. \u201cMy thoughts are with the victims, their friends and families, and those who still fear for their loved ones.\u201d<\/p>\n
Singapore\u2019s President Halimah Yacob described the loss of lives as \u201ctragic\u201d and said it was \u201chard to imagine\u201d the trauma and grief experienced by the families, loved ones and friends of those affected.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy thoughts and prayers are with the people of South Korea during this difficult time, and I wish a quick and full recovery to all those who are injured,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emailsSign up to our free breaking news emails World leaders expressed sadness and condolences after at least 151 people were killed in a crowd surge Saturday night in Seoul, South Korea. The tragedy occurred in Seoul\u2019s Itaewon […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1344,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[173],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1343","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n