S. Korea: 2 people killed in nightclub collapse
July 27, 2019
The South Korean news agency Yonhap has reported that two South Koreans were killed when a balcony holding about 100 people collapsed under the weight of partygoers at about 2:30 a.m. on Saturday (1730 UTC Friday).
At least 17 other people were injured.
Read more: Pool closures turning Germany into 'nation of non-swimmers'
Among those injured were nine foreign aquatic athletes: four from the United States, two from New Zealand, one from the Netherlands, one from Italy and one from Brazil, Yonhap reported.
All except the Brazilians are water polo players.
"We were just dancing, and then the next minute we dropped 5 to 6 meters (16-20 feet) and everyone started rushing out of the club after that," New Zealand men's water polo team captain Matt Small said.
"We ... fell on top of the heads of other people that were beneath us," he told New Zealand's Radio Sport.
Authorities have said none of the injuries were severe, ranging from bruising to lacerations on their hands or feet.
The incident occurred in a nightclub next to the athletes village in Gwangju, South Korea, where athletes have been competing at 18th FINA World Aquatics Championships. The competition runs until Sunday.
Every evening, DW sends out a selection of the day's news and features. Sign up here.