Over 1,300 rescue workers still traumatized by Itaewon Halloween tragedy
Last year's deadly crowd crush at Itaewon, Seoul claimed more than lives. Recent data showed 1,316 firemen dispatched at the scene are still suffering from the psychological impact of the incident.
According to the National Fire Agency data revealed by Rep. Oh Young-hwan of the main opposition Democratic Party, the rescue workers are receiving treatment for various side effects with relation to the tragedy.
The deadly incident occurred Oct. 29, 2022 when the crowd became concentrated in a small alleyway leading to the streets, resulting in 159 deaths and 196 injuries. Most of the victims were young people out to enjoy the first Halloween festivities at the popular nightlife district in the post-COVID 19 era.
“Trauma is not something that can be resolved in a short period of time. Plenty of rest and treatment is necessary,” Oh, a former fireman, was quoted as saying by local media.
He stressed that the fire authorities need to hire more staff, in order to ensure sufficient time for recovery for the traumatized rescue workers.
South Korea is currently constructing a state-run hospital devoted to physical and psychological treatment of firefighters, slated for opening in 2025. The plan was greenlit during the previous administration.
The Itaewon disaster was the deadliest crowd crush in South Korean history. Marking the one-year anniversary of the incident, the bereaved families of the victims recently announced that a set of memorials will be installed at the accident site and unveiled to the public on Oct. 26.
The bereaved families and the victims are currently calling for enactment of the bill that will launch a special investigation into Itaewon tragedy, currently pending at the National Assembly.
(责任编辑:패션)
- ·탄약 찾는 러…국방부 "北컨테이너 적재량, 포탄 수십만발 분량"
- ·S. Korea defeat Japan for 3rd straight men's football gold
- ·BIFF expands award categories beyond Asian content to global titles
- ·Hyundai’s decadeslong support for archery pays off at Asian Games
- ·Supporters of Israel hold rally in Seoul, urge Hamas to stop atrocities
- ·Korean telecom regulator considers W68b in fines on Google, Apple for violating in
- ·S. Korea beats Chinese Taipei for 4th straight baseball gold
- ·S. Korea finishes 3rd with 42 gold medals at Hangzhou Asian Games
- ·GOT7’s Youngjae to release 1st solo LP “Do It” next month
- ·KCON Saudi Arabia 2023 attracts 23,000 K
- ·Hyundai Motor shows off air mobility, drone tech at Seoul defense fair
- ·[Weekender] Waiting on the North: Unified Korean dictionary project's long journey
- ·Satellite imagery highlights 'dramatic' increase in N. Korea
- ·Truck crash leaves 2 dead, 2 injured
- ·S. Korea set to open largest
- ·홍익표, 체포안 가결파 징계에 “총선 승리 도움 기준으로 판단”
- ·北, 러 주최 국제포럼서 '국제수송' 논의…무기거래 우회로 찾나
- ·[Weekender] Waiting on the North: Unified Korean dictionary project's long journey
- ·Import prices up for 3rd month in September on higher oil prices
- ·Korean telecom regulator considers W68b in fines on Google, Apple for violating in