Foreign leaders send condolence messages to Korea over Itaewon crush
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak speaks with members of the media as he visits Croydon University Hospital, Oct. 28. Reuters-Yonhap
World leaders have sent messages of condolences and support to Korea after a deadly stampede in Seoul's Itaewon district killed at least 151 people during Halloween celebrations.
"We grieve with the people of the Republic of Korea and send our best wishes for a quick recovery to all those who were injured," U.S. President Joe Biden said in a statement.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in a tweet, "All our thoughts are with those currently responding and all Koreans at this very distressing time."
In a message written in French and Korean, French President Emmanuel Macron said, "I extend my condolences to the citizens of Seoul and the Korean people in the Itaewon disaster. France is by your side."
French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech in front of people involved in fighting wildfires last summer, at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Oct. 28. Reuters-Yonhap
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in a tweet that his country is "deeply saddened by the tragic events in Seoul," calling it "a sad day for Korea."
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also left similar messages of deep condolences.
Josep Borrell, the foreign policy chief of the European Union, said, "Deeply saddened by the terrible events in central Seoul. What meant to be a celebration turned into a tragedy with so many young casualties. We are with the people of the Republic of Korea at this difficult moment,"
U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan wrote in a tweet that he hoped for "a quick recovery for those injured" in the "heartbreaking" accident and that the U.S. "stands ready to provide the Republic of Korea with any support it needs."
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also said, "We send our thoughts and deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and injured, as well as to the people of the ROK as they mourn this horrific tragedy," referring to Korea by its official name, the Republic of Korea. (Yonhap)