K-Pop Fans Fall To Their Deaths At Tragic 4Minute Concert In South Korea [WATCH]

At least 16 have been killed and 11 injured after a ventilation grate collapsed and a group of concert-goers fell 20 meters into deep concrete shaft at a pop concert in Seongnam, south of Seoul in South Korea. The tragedy occurred during an outdoor performance by the popular Korean girl band 4Minute and other bands, Billboard reports.

An official announced the deaths during a televised briefing, and rescue workers warn that the death toll may rise.

According to the BBC, the victims had climbed on top of the grate to get a better view of the performance. About 700 people attended the concert, which was part of a local festival held at Pangyo Techno Valley.

According to local news coverage from the YTN television network (watch below), which sites unidentified witnesses, many of the spectators were female students. The victims were not identified.

YTN later ran video footage recorded by someone at the concert, showing the band continuing to dance for a bit in front of the crowed that had not yet become aware of the tragedy.

According to the BBC, 20-30 people had climbed on the grate over the ventilation shaft. The cause of the accident has not yet been reported, but the weight of the concert-goers likely caused the grate to collapse underneath them.

"There was a sudden, loud screaming, and when I turned it looked as if people were being sucked down into a hole," one eyewitness told YTN.

The BBC points out that this incident may intensify the debate in South Korea about safety standards, following the loss of more than 300 lives to the Sewol ferry sinking six months ago.

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K-Pop