President of South Korea, Yoon Suk-Yeol has tendered an apology for the deadly Halloween crush in Seoul, pledging to hold to account any officials found to be responsible for poor response and to reform police and safety management systems.
It could be recalled that 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.
The President’s apology came during a meeting to review safety rules, as the country continued to mourn those killed.
Yoon said, “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”.
“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.”
It was reported that an investigation of authorities’ responses to the incident is underway.
Meanwhile, local reports have it that 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.
In what seemed to be politically motivated, thousands gathered in central Seoul recently 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.”
Earlier, 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.
The President initially attributed authorities’ poor handling to flaws in the country’s crowd management and safety regulations.
However, in view of the reports of the call transcripts, he sharply rebuked the police and apologized to the victims and wider audiences.
During the recent safety meeting, he vowed to overhaul the national safety management system, carry out a thorough investigation and bring those responsible for failings to account.
He said, “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”.
SUPPORT NIGERIAN CANADIAN NEWS
If you like our work and want to keep enjoying what we offer, kindly support us by donating to the Nigerian Canadian News through the button below
Share your thoughts in the comments section below
Do you want to share any news or information with us? If yes, contact the publisher at publisher@test1.nascitest.club
