Much of Asia is waking up to the news that nearly 150 people have been killed and dozens more injured in an apparent crowd surge in the Itaewon nightclub district of Seoul.
Here’s what we know so far:
What caused the crush is not clear, but witnesses have said that before the crush partygoers were packed tightly in the district’s narrow streets and that it was difficult to move around.
Most of the casualties so far have been teenagers and people in their 20s, officials said. Many were dressed in halloween costumes.
Photos and videos on social media show people lying in the streets and on stretchers as first responders render aid.
Many victims suffered “cardiac arrest” and “breathing difficulties,” officials at the scene said.
More than 1,700 emergency responders have been dispatched, including 517 firefighters, 1,100 police officials, and about 70 government workers.
Authorities are having a hard time identifying victims and are asking families for help.
The Seoul city government is also receiving reports of missing people.
Dozens of injured have been transferred to nearby hospitals, with local health authorities adding that the death toll is likely to increase.
(Curtesy CNN)