South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has apologised for the deadly Halloween crush in Seoul, pledging to hold to account any officials found to be responsible for a poor response and to reform police and safety management systems.
Key points:
- Mr Yoon said as president he felt a duty to protect people’s lives and safety and was “heartbroken”
- He made the apology during a meeting to review safety rules in the wake of the crush
- An investigation into authorities’ response is underway
The crush on October 29 killed 156 people, including Sydney woman Grace Rached, and injured another 197 when revellers flooded the narrow alleyways of the popular nightlife district of Itaewon to celebrate Halloween.
Mr Yoon offered the apology during a meeting to review safety rules, as the country continued to mourn those killed.
“I do not dare to compare myself to the parents who lost their sons and daughters, but as the president who ought to protect the people’s lives and safety, I am heartbroken,” he said.
“I am sorry and apologetic to the bereaved families who are suffering an unspeakable tragedy, and to the people who share the pain and sorrow.”
An investigation of authorities’ responses to the incident is underway.
Police have faced criticism over their response following the tragedy, having dispatched just 137 officers to the area despite estimating there would be a crowd of up to 100,000 people.
Thousands gathered in central Seoul on the weekend for a candlelight vigil organised by a civic group linked to South Korea’s main opposition party, with many holding signs that said: “Step down, Yoon Suk-yeol.”
Last week, transcripts of several emergency calls made in the hours leading up to the accident showed people had warned of a potential crush and called for intervention.
Mr Yoon initially attributed authorities’ poor handling to flaws in the country’s crowd management and safety regulations.
Following the reports of the call transcripts, however, he sharply rebuked the police and apologised to the victims and wider audiences.
At Monday’s safety meeting, he vowed to overhaul the national safety management system, carry out a thorough investigation and bring those responsible for failings to account.
“In particular, extensive reform is needed in the police work, which is essential to preparing for danger and preventing accidents in order to protect the safety of the people,” Mr Yoon said.
Reuters/ ABC