President Yoon Suk-yeol of South Korea has expressed regret for the fatal Seoul crowd crush on Halloween and promised to hold those responsible accountable.
While the nation mourns the 156 crush victims, the majority of whom were women and young people in their twenties and thirties, Yoon made the apology on Monday during a meeting to discuss safety regulations.
“I do not dare to compare myself to the parents who lost their sons and daughters, but as the president who ought to protect the people’s lives and safety, I am heartbroken,” he said.
“I am sorry and apologetic to the bereaved families who are suffering an unspeakable tragedy, and to the people who share the pain and sorrow.”
The crush happened on October 29, when revellers celebrating Halloween flooded the narrow alleyways of Seoul’s Itaewon district to celebrate the first COVID-19 curbs-free Halloween in three years.
The 156 victims included at least 26 foreigners. A further 197 people were injured.
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