The cause of the avalanche that has claimed at least 149 lives is still unknown, but it is feared that the final balance of fatalities will increase
Seoul authorities announced today that they are investigating more than 270 cases of disappearances of people related to the stampede during Halloween celebrations on the eve, which has left at least 149 dead and 76 wounded.
South Korean police are trying to identify the missing people among the victims of the accident, of whom some 45 died on the spot and more than a hundred were declared deceased after being transferred to several hospitals in the capital.
Among the 76 injured, there are 19 in serious condition, so it is feared that the final balance of fatalities will increaseaccording to the Yongsan District Fire Department.
The apparent stampede took place around 10:22 p.m. local time on Saturday (13:22 GMT) in the vicinity of the Hamilton Hotel, in front of the Itaewon subway station.
The incident is believed to have taken place in a sloping alleyabout four meters wide and adjacent to the aforementioned hotel.
According to witnesses quoted by South Korean media, a collective fall occurred at the top of the slope, which caused a chain avalanche.
For now The reason for the stampede is unknown. The local media echo testimonies that talk about the presence of a famous person in the area who would have attracted a crowd or the circulation of narcotics.
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said that for the time being no cases of drug use have been detected in connection with the incident, and has opened an investigation to check whether businesses in the area were complying with safety regulations.
Every year the Itaewon neighborhood, adjacent to a US military base and a well-known nightlife area, becomes the busiest point to celebrate Halloween in Seoul, and according to local media, thousands of people would have gathered on its streets on this occasion.