The Prince of Wales has led royal condolences to the Republic of Korea after a deadly stampede killed over 150 people in the Itaewon district of Seoul.
Prince William released a short statement on Twitter, saying: “Catherine and I send all our love and prayers to the parents, families and loved ones of those tragically lost in Seoul yesterday evening.”
King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed of Saudi Arabia have also sent cables of condolence to South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol.
Albert II, Prince of Monaco, released the following statement: “Mr President, It is with great emotion and sadness that I learned the tragedy which took place, in the night from Saturday to Sunday in Seoul in the district of Itaewon, following a deadly crowd surge. In these tragic circumstances allow me, along with my family to convey my profound solidarity and the full support of the population of the Principality of Monaco for the Korean people and, finally, our sincere compassion for the families of the victims.”
Other royal world leaders are expected to release condolence messages in the coming days.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “Horrific news from Seoul tonight. All our thoughts are with those currently responding and all South Koreans at this very distressing time.”
US President Joe Biden stated: “We grieve with the people of the Republic of Korea and send our best wishes for a quick recovery to all those who were injured.”
On the evening of 29 October, thousands of people were in the popular Itaewon district of the Korean capital to celebrate Halloween. Packed into a narrow alley, over 150 people were crushed to death. Most of those killed were in their teens and 20s, and emergency responders have warned the number of deaths could rise. Nineteen of the 154 killed were foreigners, including two American university students.
Witnesses to the deadly crush have said people “fell like dominos,” with one talking of watching his friend get crushed in a “wall of bodies.”
Over 1,700 emergency workers from across South Korea have been dispatched to Seoul to help.
President Yoon has declared a national period of mourning in the country and declared the Itaewon district a disaster zone.
