In the hours leading up to Saturday night’s tragedy, several emergency calls were received indicating potential dangers, National Police Agency chief Yoon Hee Keun said on Tuesday.
But the answer to that was “insufficient”: “I feel a heavy responsibility as head of one of the responsible authorities.” Yoon did not say whether, from his point of view, the catastrophe could have been prevented by early police measures. But he wanted to make sure that what went wrong was thoroughly investigated. An independent investigative body will also be created within the police authority.
The mass accident in South Korea has raised questions about the role of the authorities and the lack of safety precautions. The accident in the metropolis of millions happened when tens of thousands of people crowded together in the popular nightlife district of Itaewon for unorganized Halloween celebrations. Numerous people were trapped in the extreme crowds in a narrow and sloping side street. Many fell to the ground, suffocated, were crushed or kicked to death.
According to the Ministry of the Interior, the number of mostly young fatalities increased to 156. Two people have died from their injuries since Monday night. According to the updated figures, 151 injured were recorded. Of them, 29 are in critical condition. Among the fatalities were 26 foreigners, including a vacationer from Austria. Itaewon attracts crowds with its club scene and numerous eateries, especially on weekends.
Source: Nachrichten
