World leaders have sent messages of condolences and support to South Korea after an apparent crowd surge in Seoul’s Itaewon district during Halloween celebrations left at least 149 people dead.
Philip Seth Goldberg, the U.S. Ambassador to South Korea from 2022, tweeted in both English and Korean: Please know that my thoughts and those of the US Embassy in Seoul are with the people of South Korea, especially the loved ones of those who died, and the many others injured in this devastating event. . ”
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Twitter: “All our thoughts are with those currently responding and all South Koreans during this very dire time.”
“France is on your side,” President Emmanuel Macron tweeted in French and Korean.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz tweeted, “The tragic events in Seoul have shocked us all. Our thoughts are with the many victims and their families. It’s a sad day. Germany stands by their side.”
The Australian government also sent a message of support.
“I extend my deepest condolences to all those affected by this terrible tragedy,” he said. Anthony Albanese Tweeted.
The Australian Embassy in Seoul said it was “urgently conducting an investigation” with local authorities to determine if Australians were involved.