Tragedy struck Seoul Korea when a Halloween party went awry and caused the death of 153 people.
Among those 153, two Americans lost their lives in the stampede.
All of the deaths are said to have been caused by trampling and suffocation in what is a harrowing scene.
After the U.S. Embassy was able to confirm the deaths, Joe Biden shared his condolences with the families.
“Jill and I are devastated to learn that at least two Americans are among so many who lost their lives in Seoul,” said Biden. “Our Hearts go out to their loved ones in this time of grief, and we continue to pray for the recovery of all who were injured.”
The U.S. embassy also made a statement on CNN about this tragedy.
“Our staff in Seoul and colleagues in the United States are working tirelessly to provide consular assistance to the victims of last night’s incident and their families,” reads the statement.
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“The U.S. Embassy in Seoul is working closely with local authorities and other partner organizations to assist U.S. citizens affected. We offer our sincerest condolences to the loved ones of those killed and continue to assist the injured. Due to privacy considerations, we have no additional details at this time.”
US Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Philip Goldberg also expressed his condolences to the families of the victims.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of so many lives last night, including two young Americans celebrating alongside their Korean friends and others from around the world,” he said.
According to reports, at least 153 people were killed during the stampede.
A jarring 133 also sustained injuries at the event.
CNN reports that at least three other US citizens were injured during the charge.
One of the Americans who were killed is a University of Kentucky student named Anne Gieske, according to the Washington Post.
University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto said that the loss of Gieske is an “indescribable loss” to the school, in a statement.
“Anne, a nursing junior from Northern Kentucky, was studying in South Korea this semester with an education abroad program,” wrote the president.
The other student is reportedly a junior from Kennesaw State university in Georgia named Steven Blesi.
Blesi was also in South Korea for a study abroad program.
President Yoon of South Korea has this to say about the disaster.
“This is truly tragic,” he said in his statement, promising an investigation into the tragedy. “A tragedy and disaster that should not have happened took place in the heart of Seoul last night.”
Watch JTN’s report on the tragedy here:
By: Goose