Seoul Halloween crowd surge: death toll rises to 158

Seoul: In the crowd surge accident that happened during the Halloween celebrations in the Itaewon neighbourhood of the capital city of South Korea, the death toll rises to 158, according to the authorities.

A total of 132 South Koreans and 26 foreigners were killed during the crowd crush in the popular nightlife district of Itaewon on October 29.

The last victim reported is a South Korean woman in her 20s, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters was quoted as saying by Yonhap news agency.

Funeral procedures for 130 South Koreans have been completed and the bodies of 24 foreign nationals have been sent to their home countries, it said.

Out of the 196 people injured, 10 are still being treated at hospitals, the authorities said.

Meanwhile, the police officer investigating the accident found dead in his home, who has been facing suspicions after the tragedy.

A handful of top officials, including Seoul's Mayor as well as the Ministry, have issued a public apology, admitting their failure to prevent the accident.

IANS with Inputs