At least nine people have died after a stampede in the South Korean capital of Seoul.
The victims were crushed by a large crowd advancing down a narrow street during Halloween festivities near the Hamilton Hotel in the Itaewon area.
Footage on social media showed many victims lying on the sidewalk as bystanders and emergency service workers performed CPR in an attempt to revive them.
Choi Cheon-sik, an official with the National Fire Agency, said at least 60 people were being treated for injuries and the death toll could rise.
Many people went into cardiac arrest.
More than 400 rescue workers from across the country have been deployed to the scene, including almost all those available in Seoul, he added.
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon was visiting Europe but decided to return home after the news.
Photo: AP
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol chaired an emergency meeting after the stampede.
He said in a statement that authorities should ensure prompt treatment for the injured and that the security of festival sites should be reviewed.
Local media said around 100,000 people came to Itaewon for the Halloween festivities, which were the biggest in years after COVID-19 restrictions eased in recent months.
