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Delhi Woman Dresses Up In Halloween Costume, Ends Up Being Chased By Dog

November 14, 2024, 2:35 pm

A Halloween prank by a Delhi woman has gone viral, sparking mixed reactions on social media. Shaifali Nagpal, a makeup artist from Paschim Vihar, shared a video on Instagram where she donned a spooky “ghost” costume, complete with a white dress splattered with fake blood and eerie contact lenses. The video quickly garnered over seven million views.

Nagpal took her ghostly appearance to a local park, where she startled children, and later walked through nearby streets, surprising passersby who stopped to take pictures and videos. However, the most amusing part of the video came when a dog unexpectedly chased her, leading to Nagpal shouting, “Kutta pad gaya mere peeche! (A dog is chasing me!!)”. This comedic twist added humor to her otherwise chilling act.

Watch:

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A post shared by Shaifali Nagpal (@shaifalinagpalmua)

The video received a variety of responses online. One user advised, “Don’t do this to kids,” while another remarked, “There is no fear. Everybody is creating videos. You’re not going to be a decent ghost.” Some suggested, “Go to a deserted place in the middle of the road, it will be fun,” while a viewer humorously noted that if someone truly saw a ghost, they might mistake them for a content creator.

YouTuber Exchanges ‘Treats’ for Sweet Cash! Helps People Pay The Rent

November 3, 2024, 2:09 pm

A recent heartwarming gesture by YouTuber Juan Gonzalez, known for his channel ThatWasEpic, has won the hearts of many viewers. In his latest Halloween-themed video, Gonzalez dresses in playful costumes and embarks on an early trick-or-treating journey, surprising those who give him candy by paying their rent. This kind act resonated deeply with social media users.

In the video, when Gonzalez visits a woman’s home and requests candy, she replies, “You’re a little early.” He humorously responds, “Yeah, it’s a little safer today than actual Halloween day.” After she hands him candy, he surprises her by giving her cash for her rent, which leaves her visibly emotional. She shares her struggles, mentioning that it has been a tough day for her due to the passing of her dog.

Watch the full video here:

As Gonzalez continues his adventure, he encounters a mix of reactions. At one home, residents apologize for not being able to answer the door, while another homeowner mentions they aren’t celebrating Halloween this year. Initially, a man seems to share a similar sentiment but ends up accepting Gonzalez’s offer after a brief conversation, ultimately handing him a jar that looks like Nutella.

In a particularly touching moment, a couple gives Gonzalez candy but refuses the money, stating they don’t have a mortgage or rent and that the funds could benefit someone in need.

Later in the video, Gonzalez revisits a house where a man he met earlier reveals that he had previously given money to his grandfather. Nevertheless, Gonzalez still pays him the rent amount while accepting candy in return.

Posted just a day ago, the video has quickly gained traction, garnering over 450,000 views. The comment section reflects a variety of reactions from viewers.

One user commented, “That first lady was so nice. OMG, I hope she gets all the love she deserves!”

Another wrote, “It’s good we made Juan famous, he totally deserves it honestly!!! Best humble YouTuber out there.”

Mark Zuckerberg Dresses as ‘John Wick’ for Halloween

November 1, 2024, 5:26 pm

Embracing Halloween, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg transformed into the iconic assassin John Wick, sharing festive family photos on Facebook. In the photos, Zuckerberg sports a sharp black suit and tie, closely mirroring Keanu Reeves’ character from the hit action series. Meanwhile, his wife, Priscilla Chan, and their daughters brought a lighter vibe, opting for colorful ballerina outfits.

“When your house full of girls decides to be ballerinas, be John Wick,” Zuckerberg humorously captioned his post on Thursday.

See His Post:

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A post shared by Mark Zuckerberg (@zuck)

The post quickly went viral, amassing over 266,000 likes and 26,000 comments, as fans shared their reactions.

Responses ranged from admiration to humor. “Very impressive, uncle John!” one fan commented, while another joked, “Mark, sounds like you’re one tutu away from becoming ‘Dad Wick’! Stay strong—protective instincts and dad jokes are your best weapons!” Many also praised Zuckerberg’s creativity, recalling his previous costumes, including Albus Dumbledore from Harry Potter last year, where his daughters joined him in Hogwarts attire, and a “drop of water” for a garden-themed family costume in 2019.

Halloween celebrations today blend traditional customs with modern festivities, particularly in Western cultures. Children dress up and go trick-or-treating, while adults enjoy costume parties and spooky gatherings.

Aamir Khan Characters Join The Costume Party! Orry’s Spooky Bollywood Adventure

November 1, 2024, 11:44 am

Orhan Awatramani, popularly known as Orry, has once again showcased his creative flair on social media for Halloween this year. Drawing inspiration from the classic films of Bollywood star Aamir Khan, Orry took to Instagram to superimpose his face onto iconic characters from some of Khan’s most beloved movies. This playful tribute features characters from films like Ghajini, Taare Zameen Par, Lagaan, Talaash, and Rang De Basanti, alongside the streaming platforms where these films can be watched.

HAVE A LOOK AT THE VIRAL POST:

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A post shared by Orhan Awatramani (@orry)

A Playful Caption

In a clever twist, Orry captioned his post with the title of a Shah Rukh Khan film, My Name Is Khan, adding a humorous touch to his Halloween homage. He also included the hashtag #Halloween to engage his followers in the festive spirit.

A Social Media Sensation

Orry, who has become a topic of conversation in the Bollywood social scene, previously gained attention during an episode of Koffee With Karan. In a light-hearted moment, host Karan Johar asked Sara Ali Khan and Ananya Panday to explain who Orry is, to which Sara replied, “Orry? Who doesn’t know who Orry is?” Ananya chimed in with her own thoughts, describing him as “loved, but misunderstood,” capturing the essence of Orry’s public persona.

Star-Studded Connections

Known for his vibrant social life, Orry is frequently seen at parties with various Bollywood celebrities and star kids, including Janhvi Kapoor, Khushi Kapoor, Suhana Khan, and Nysa Devgan. His presence in the industry continues to grow as he blends humor and creativity, making him a favorite among fans and fellow stars alike.

Orry’s Halloween post serves as a reminder of the intersection between creativity and celebration in the digital age, as he cleverly engages his audience while paying homage to Bollywood’s cinematic legacy.

Indian-Origin CEO Dresses As Mark Zuckerberg, While Zuckerberg Surprises In John Wick Look

November 1, 2024, 9:22 am

This Halloween, Aravind Srinivas, CEO of Perplexity AI and an Indian-origin IIT alumnus, showcased his playful side by dressing up as Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg. Srinivas posted his Zuckerberg-inspired look on social media, featuring a black t-shirt, jeans, dark sunglasses, and a silver chain—a tribute to Zuckerberg’s iconic, minimalist style. Srinivas even teased fans, promising to go as OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman for next year’s Halloween.

Fans on X responded enthusiastically. “Bro rocking it harder than Zuck himself,” said one, while others playfully mistook Srinivas’s photo for the actual Meta CEO, with comments like, “Why is this guy posting Zuck’s photo?” Srinivas’s costume was a hit for its clever take on tech culture.

HAVE A LOOK AT THE VIRAL POST:

Halloween costume. Next year I will do @sama. Congrats on the launch! pic.twitter.com/niQwrRyVXh

— Aravind Srinivas (@AravSrinivas) November 1, 2024

Mark Zuckerberg’s John Wick Costume Sparks Debate

Not to be outdone, Mark Zuckerberg himself took to X, dressed as the fictional John Wick. Sporting a black blazer and a Keanu Reeves-inspired wig, he embraced a rugged look, contrasting with the ballerina costumes his family chose. “When your house full of girls decides to be ballerinas, be John Wick,” he quipped. Reactions were mixed, with some likening his look more to Severus Snape from Harry Potter than the renowned assassin.

HAVE A LOOK AT THE VIRAL POST:

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A post shared by Mark Zuckerberg (@zuck)

Halloween in Silicon Valley: A Tradition of Creativity

Celebrated on October 31, Halloween has origins in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain but has evolved into a beloved holiday across the United States. In Silicon Valley, where creativity thrives, Halloween costumes are a way for tech leaders to show off their lighter side. Traditions like costume parties, trick-or-treating, and pumpkin carving continue to be popular, bringing a spooky and playful vibe to workplaces and communities.

‘O Stree Kal Aana’ Halloween Decor In Canada Captures Bollywood Magic | WATCH

October 31, 2024, 12:51 pm

Halloween, observed on October 31 each year, honors the memory of the deceased across various cultures. Its origins trace back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, where it was believed the spirits of the dead would return to visit their homes. This belief led to the tradition of dressing up in costumes to ward off wandering souls. But this year, a house in Brampton, Canada, has given the festival a unique Bollywood-inspired spin that has captured the internet’s attention.

The Viral ‘Stree’ Display and Maddock Films’ Response

A video shared by Instagram handle @troll_canadaa_ shows a house in Brampton featuring an eye-catching Halloween display: a doll draped in a red saree, hanging from the ceiling with a note that reads, “O Stree Kal Aana”—a well-known line from the Bollywood film Stree, starring Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao. The display has racked up over a million views, even catching the eye of Maddock Films, the production house behind Stree, which responded with, “It’s going to be a busy Halloween for Stree!” Comments on the post flooded in, with one user expressing, “Honestly, it’s cool! People have ghosts from Hollywood as well. This one is creative and relatable.” Another added, “When I visit Canada, Brampton is the first place I’ll go.”

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:

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A post shared by ????? ?????? (@troll_canadaa_)

About the Bollywood Classic, Stree

Released in 2018, Stree follows the residents of Chanderi village as they confront a supernatural being who haunts men during a grand festival each year. The film, featuring Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, and Pankaj Tripathi, mixes horror with humor, creating a cult following. The Brampton Halloween display shows just how widely the influence of Stree has spread, adding a Bollywood flavor to this year’s Halloween festivities.

Biden Spotted ‘Biting Babies’ During White House Halloween Festivities | WATCH

October 31, 2024, 12:48 pm

US President Joe Biden caused a stir on social media after being photographed “biting” babies during a Halloween event at the White House. The 82-year-old, accompanied by first lady Jill Biden, was hosting trick-or-treating guests on the South Lawn when his interactions with at least four infants made headlines.

In one photo, published by the Associated Press, Biden is seen “jokingly” biting a baby dressed as a chicken. Another image shows him putting a baby’s foot in his mouth. Local students, children from military families, and neighborhood families were invited to the pre-Halloween celebrations. During the event, parents watched as Biden bit or “sucked” on their babies’ toes on four separate occasions.

Watch:

Biden Bit Not Just One — But At Least Four Babies Tonight!

These people are sick. https://t.co/CXmbm7wLFB pic.twitter.com/EoZLG8ZW1M

— LIZ CROKIN (@LizCrokin) October 31, 2024

Theories circulating online suggested that Biden was mimicking a shark, coinciding with the JAWS soundtrack playing during the festivities. However, many social media users had different interpretations of the president’s behavior.

“After all the clips of Biden nuzzling little kids like a total creep, you’d think his handlers would have learned by now. Now today we have Biden sucking and biting on a baby’s foot and leg with someone in a PANDA costume on stage. Panda eyes?” one user commented.

Another user pointed out the double standard, saying, “Biden literally put a baby’s foot in his mouth, and somehow that’s ‘okay’ to the same people who lost it over a comedian’s joke about Puerto Rico’s waste management issues. The double standard is unreal! These people are just sick and disgusting.”

A third user humorously added, “They’re eating the dogs. They’re eating the cats. Joe Biden is biting the babies.”

Biden had previously made headlines for his “garbage” comment aimed at supporters of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, who later used it in his campaign.

Diwali Meets Halloween: A Festival Of Lights And Frights On October 31

October 22, 2024, 1:44 pm

This year marks a unique occurrence as two vibrant festivals from vastly different cultural traditions will fall on the same date. Diwali, the Festival of Lights, and Halloween, the celebration of all things spooky, will both be observed on October 31. The convergence of these significant events presents a fascinating contrast between ancient spiritual customs and modern-day thrill-seeking festivities.

Diwali vs. Halloween: A Contrast in Themes

Diwali, an important festival for Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists, is a time of deep spiritual significance. It celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and promotes reflection, renewal, and spiritual growth. Families reunite to celebrate with prayers, gifts, and fireworks. On the other hand, Halloween, a largely Western celebration, embraces costumes, trick-or-treating, and the playful exploration of spooky and eerie themes. Diwali is a festival of hope and positivity, while Halloween revels in the thrill of the mysterious and unknown.

Shared Traditions: Light and Community

Though Diwali and Halloween may seem vastly different, both festivals incorporate the use of lights—diyas for Diwali and jack-o’-lanterns for Halloween—as well as community gatherings and festive celebrations.

Diwali: The Festival of Lights

Diwali’s five-day celebration starts with Dhanteras, focusing on home cleaning and decorating, followed by the purchase of silverware or gold, and prayers to Lord Dhanwantari for good health. The second day, Chhoti Diwali, is about lighting lamps, worshipping goddess Kali, and finalizing decorations. The third day, Lakshmi Puja, is the festival’s main event, where devotees worship goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and illuminate their homes with diyas. Govardhan Puja on the fourth day celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory, and the final day, Bhai Dooj, honors the sibling bond with prayers and rituals.

At its core, Diwali represents the triumph of light over darkness and serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle between good and evil.

Halloween: A Celebration of Spookiness

In contrast, Halloween, widely celebrated in Western cultures, features costumes, trick-or-treating, and haunted attractions. While children enjoy collecting candy door-to-door, adults host themed parties, carve pumpkins, and partake in ghostly cocktails. Halloween has also expanded to include haunted tours, escape rooms, and horror-themed events.

Though these two festivals differ in theme and tradition, the coexistence of Diwali a

Passengers Thrill As Japan’s Bullet Train Transforms Into Zombie Apocalypse

October 20, 2024, 2:57 pm

A typically calm two-and-a-half-hour journey on Japan’s renowned bullet train turned into a thrilling zombie apocalypse on Saturday, as passengers screamed in terror. Marketed as the “world’s first haunted house experience on a running shinkansen,” the event attracted around 40 thrill-seekers eager for a spine-chilling ride between Tokyo and Osaka.

Inspired by the 2016 South Korean action-horror film “Train to Busan,” the experience took a dramatic turn shortly after departure. Actors strategically positioned in the train seats transformed into zombies, attacking fellow passengers and heightening the atmosphere of horror.

世界初！走行中の新幹線を使ったお化け屋敷『ゾンビ新幹線』が東京～新大阪間で開催?#ゾンビ新幹線 #エンタメ @___maria48 pic.twitter.com/GDnUGLRL3J

— 大阪じゃーなる (@kitajournal) October 19, 2024

Kenta Iwana, an organizer from the group Kowagarasetai, which translates to “scare squad,” explained that they aimed to depict how the typically safe and reliable shinkansen could devolve into chaos in an instant.

Joshua Payne, a 31-year-old American tourist, expressed his excitement, stating, “I literally felt like I was in the film, just sitting here watching it take place in front of me.” He appreciated the unique experience of traveling from Tokyo to Osaka while participating in the performance.

This zombie-themed ride is part of Central Japan Railway Company’s efforts to diversify its offerings after the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted long-distance travel. The company has previously hosted various events on the shinkansen, including sushi restaurants and wrestling matches.

Marie Izumi, from JR Central’s tourism subsidiary, initially doubted the feasibility of the zombie ride but was impressed by its execution, recognizing “new possibilities” for future events on the train, such as concerts and comedy shows.

While the ride included props like toy chainsaws and guns, organizers avoided graphic depictions of violence to maintain the train’s family-friendly reputation. The two-and-a-half-hour journey also featured lighter moments, with performances by zombie cheerleaders, magicians, and even a choreographed dance to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”

Passengers reported that the immersive experience justified the ticket price of up to 50,000 yen (about $335). One attendee, Naohiko Nozawa, 30, remarked, “The appearance of so many different kinds of zombies kept me entertained all the way.”

Man Hits Jackpot For Rs 1.2 Crore By Selling Pumpkin In North Carolina

October 13, 2024, 1:10 pm

In a surprising twist to his annual Halloween tradition, a North Carolina man, Roy Story, won a whopping $150,000 (around ₹1.26 crore) in a lottery, using the money he earned from selling pumpkins. Story, who grows and sells pumpkins each year, purchased the winning Xtreme Cashword ticket at the Sun Farms store in Elizabeth City with $10 (approximately ₹835) he made from a pumpkin sale.

“I grow a few pumpkins every year and sell them,” Story told UPI News. “Someone gave me $10 for a pumpkin, and I used that to buy the ticket.” A fan of crossword games, Story chose the ticket intentionally, revealing that he plays such games regularly.

An Unexpected Windfall

Initially, Story misjudged the extent of his win. “I didn’t have my glasses on,” he said, thinking he had won only $1,000 (around ₹83,500). The true scale of his fortune became apparent later, leaving him astonished. His plans for the prize include purchasing a brand-new truck, something many would envy.

Growing Trend of Lottery Wins

Story’s win adds to the increasing number of lottery success stories across the United States. Recently, a woman from Frederick County, Maryland, won $500,000 (around ₹4 crore) from a Powerball Double Play ticket, leaving her in shock. Meanwhile, Jose Duran from West Palm Beach, Florida, secured a $3 million (around ₹25 crore) Mega Millions jackpot in April 2023, having spent just $3 (around ₹250) on his ticket.

These lottery wins, ranging from pumpkin sales to life-changing jackpots, continue to capture the imagination of hopeful players across the country.

‘Halloween’ Actor Charles Cyphers Dies at 85

August 7, 2024, 5:00 am

Veteran actor Charles Cyphers, best known for his role as Sheriff Leigh Brackett in the Halloween series, has passed away at the age of 85, according to People. Cyphers died peacefully from a brief illness in Tucson, Arizona, his manager Chris Roe confirmed in a statement. Roe also requested privacy for Cyphers’ family during this time and noted that plans for a celebration of life will be announced later.

Charles Cyphers first gained recognition for his portrayal of Sheriff Leigh Brackett in John Carpenter’s 1978 classic Halloween, where he starred alongside Jamie Lee Curtis. He reprised this role in the sequels Halloween II (1981) and Halloween Kills (2021). Before his iconic role in the Halloween franchise, Cyphers collaborated with Carpenter on the 1976 film Assault on Precinct 13, where he played Officer Starker.

Nancy Kyes, Cyphers’ co-star from both Halloween and Assault on Precinct 13, expressed her sorrow, saying, “So sorry to hear about dear Chuck. My friend of many years, he could always be relied on for a kind word, a good laugh, and a great story. How he will be missed.”

Born in Niagara Falls, New York, in 1939, Cyphers developed a passion for acting early on. He earned a BA in theatre from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and California State University. Throughout his career, he appeared in numerous popular TV shows, including Charlie’s Angels (1977), Roots (1977), The Betty White Show (1977), Barnaby Jones (1973-1977), Starsky and Hutch (1976-1979), The Dukes of Hazzard (1979-1984), and Hill Street Blues (1985-1987).

Glimpse of Kareena Kapoor’s Halloween Outfit

November 1, 2023, 2:40 pm

Actor Kareena Kapoor Khan on Tuesday shared a glimpse from her Halloween party along with her husband Saif Ali Khan and son Taimur.
Taking to Instagram, Kareena shared a picture on her stories which she captioned, “Kids favourite.”

In the picture, Kareena could be seen posing with her husband, kid and one of their friends.
Taimur donned a spooky skeleton outfit for the celebrations, while Saif opted for a black and white traditional outfit.

Kareena, on the other hand, wore a beige t-shirt paired with blue jeans. She tied her hair into a ponytail and was seen in a no-makeup look.
Meanwhile, on the work front, Kareena recently attended the premiere of her film ‘The Buckingham Murders’ at the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival in a black dress with pink sleeves. She went for nude makeup and tied her hair in a bun. On the other hand, Karisma and Saif twinned in white. Karisma looked exquisite in a white saree, while Saif looked royal in a white kurta-pyjama with a white Nehru jacket.

‘The Buckingham Murders’ is helmed by Hansal Mehta, It also stars Ash Tandon, Ranveer Brar, and Keith Allen. It is written by Aseem Arrora, Kashyap Kapoor, and Raghav Raj Kakker and produced by Balaji Telefilms and TBM Films alongside Shobha Kapoor, Ektaa R Kapoor, and Kareena Kapoor Khan.

Apart from this, Kareena will also be seen in director Rohit Shetty’s upcoming film ‘Singham Again’.
The film also stars Ajay Devgn, Deepika Padukone, Tiger Shroff, Ranveer Singh and Akshay Kumar.

Stay tuned for more such stories.

Halloween Party hosted by Kendall Jenner, check out the guest list

October 30, 2023, 12:26 pm

According to People, celebrities showed up for Kendall Jenner’s Halloween party in Los Angeles decked out in costume.
The 27-year-old Kardashians star welcomed Billie Eilish, Channing Tatum, and Zoe Kravitz to her glitzy Halloween party at Chateau Marmont on Saturday.
Eilish, 21, showed up at the party with her friend Devon Lee Carlson, decked up in a red wig, cowboy hat, and pretend shotgun. The ‘What Was I Made For?’ singer wore a classic Western belt, brown pants, and a blue-and-white gingham blouse, channeling the Wild Wild West for the occasion.

According to People, Tatum, 43, and Kravitz, 34, recreated Roman Polanksi’s 1968 thriller Rosemary’s Baby with the Magic Mike actor dressed in a light blue onesie with a bonnet and his girlfriend in a long white nightgown with a knife reminiscent of Mia Farrow’s titular character.

Megan Fox,37, wore a mini schoolgirl skirt, blazer, white collared shirt and red tie while carrying a notebook that said ‘Death Note’, the movie for which they based their costumes. Machine Gun Kelly, in full-face makeup, a black wig and black feathers and an all-black outfit, stepped out in their usual extravagant couples costume style.

Natalia Bryant was also in attendance at Jenner’s get-together, and the late Lakers player’s oldest daughter dressed in an all-white ballet outfit a la Black Swan. Bryant, 20, wore a full tutu and a feather headpiece in her hair as she recreated Natalie Portman’s character from the Oscar-winning film, reported People.

Charli D’Amelio and Landon Barker, who dressed up as Romeo and Juliet, attended Jenner’s party on Saturday as a date night. D’Amelio, 19, wore an all-white attire with high block heels and white wings, while Barker, 20, sported a knight-inspired dress with a mesh top and shoulder armour.

Also in attendance at the model’s Halloween party — an annual event thrown by Jenner, who frequently celebrates both the holiday and her birthday, Nov. 3, in one joint event — were Anastasia “Stassie” Karanikolaou and her boyfriend, TikToker Jaden Hossler, who dressed as Fight Club’s Marla Singer and the Narrator, reported People.

Hailey Bieber Gives Glimpse Of Halloween Decorations

October 10, 2023, 2:11 pm

The gorgeous Hailey Bieber flaunted the Halloween decor at her Los Angeles home with husband Justin Bieber, gave fans a glimpse into the decoration in process for the spooky festival. She took to her Instagram stories to share clips of how her Los Angeles home looks while the Halloween decor is in progress.

“Let the spook commence,” she wrote on the video as she flaunted the area with stairs.

Have a look

Hailey Bieber publicou no Instagram Stories: "Deixe o terror começar". ? pic.twitter.com/bn74WQtDHT

— Hailey Bieber Brasil (@haileybieberbrs) October 8, 2023

Also, the model shared a video of an actual spider hanging around their house. “I thought this was part of our Halloween decor until I realized it wasn’t [crying face emoji] [web emoji] [x2 spider emojis],” she wrote on the Instagram story.

Hailey Bieber publicou no Instagram Stories: "?️?️". pic.twitter.com/fGoTJ14l7V

— Hailey Bieber Brasil (@haileybieberbrs) October 8, 2023

Stay tuned for more such stories.

151 killed, over 150 injured at Halloween celebration in South Korea

October 30, 2022, 11:44 am

At least 151 people were killed and more than 150 were injured in South Korea’s greatest tragedy in years when a mob of primarily young people celebrating Halloween festivities in Seoul became trapped and crushed as the crowd surged down a tiny lane.

A number of the injured were thought to be in severe condition, according to Choi Seong-beom, chief of Seoul’s Yongsan fire department, and the death toll could increase further.

It was unclear what caused the gathering to suddenly swell into the small, downhill lane close to the Hamilton Hotel, a popular Seoul nightlife destination.

Many of the victims were women in their twenties, Choi said.

Witnesses recounted hectic situations just prior to the stampede, with the police present in anticipation of the Halloween celebration, occasionally having difficulty keeping the masses under control.

Moon Ju-young, 21, said there were clear signs of trouble in the alleys before the incident.

“It was at least more than 10 times more crowded than usual,” he told Reuters.

Hundreds of people were jammed into the tight, sloping lane, crushed and immovable as emergency personnel and police attempted to extricate them, as seen in social media footage.

In other videos, frantic scenes of firefighters and bystanders tending to hundreds of victims who appeared to be unconscious could be seen.

An unidentified woman who identified herself as the mother of a survivor claimed her daughter and others were trapped in the crowd of people in the alley for more than an hour before being freed.

According to a witness who spoke to Reuters, a temporary morgue had been put up in a building close by. According to the witness, some four dozen remains were later transported on wheeled stretchers to a facility so that the dead could be identified.

“You would see big crowds at Christmas and fireworks…but this was several ten-folds bigger than any of that,” Park Jung-hoon, 21, told Reuters from the scene.

“The area is still chaotic, so we are still trying to figure out the exact number of people injured,” said Moon Hyun-joo, an official at the National Fire Agency.

Authorities said they were investigating the exact cause of the incident. President Yoon Suk-yeol presided over an emergency meeting with senior aides.