Victims Of The South Korean Halloween Incident Can Increase, The Indonesian Embassy Continues To Investigate Information About The Possibility Of Indonesian Citizens

Crowds at the Halloween Festival in Itaewon, Seoul, South Korea claimed more than 150 lives, Saturday 29 October 2022. (Skynews)

JAKARTA - Halloween celebrations in Itaewon District, Seoul, South Korea became a humanitarian tragedy because it claimed hundreds of lives. Based on reports in various Korean national media, there are currently 151 people killed and 82 people injured.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia in Seoul, Gandi Sulistiyanto, said that there were no Indonesian citizens (WNI) who died in the Halloween celebration tragedy in Itaewon.

"As of Sunday morning at 10:00 (local time), information from the South Korean authorities stated that there were no Indonesian citizens who were victims," he said in an official statement, quoted by VOI, Sunday, October 30.

However, said Gandi, there is a possibility that the number of fatalities and injuries will increase. Therefore, the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul continues to coordinate with various parties, including the police and several referral hospitals.

"To dig up information on the possibility of Indonesian citizens being victims," he said.

Not only that, but Gandi said the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul was also coordinating with the Rapid Action team, the Association of Indonesian Students in Korea (PERPIKA), and community nodes to monitor if any Indonesian citizens were affected.

Furthermore, the Indonesian Embassy also conveyed an appeal to the Kakao Talk Group with several more than 1000 Indonesian citizens in South Korea to get quick information if any Indonesian citizens were affected.

"For Indonesian citizens who need immediate assistance, please contact the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul at 010-5394-2546 (Emergency Assistance Hotline)," he said.

For the tragedy of the Halloween celebration in Itaewon, the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul expresses deep condolences for the deaths of the victims.

"We also hope the injured victims get medical treatment at the first opportunity," he said.

For information, based on police information received by the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul, as of 11.00 local time, 151 people died, there were 19 foreigners, identified as citizens of Australia, Iran, Norway, France, China, and Sri Lanka, and as many as 13 victims had not been identified.

The victims who died were waiting for family identification to be placed in Yongsan-gu Wonhyoro Dalmokjok as well as 18 hospitals in Seoul City: Suncheon Hanyang Hospital, Idae Mokdong Hospital, Gangbuk Hospital, Samsung University Hospital, St. Mary Yeouido, and Chungang University Hospital.