'Manmade disaster': Officials criticized over Seoul deaths Seoul police assigned 137 officers to manage a crowd of Halloween revellers anticipated to number over 100,000 over the weekend -- a decision that has come under intense criticism following the deaths of more than 150 people when the group surged.He suggested that the crush may have been prevented if authorities had enforced one-way walking lanes, blocked entry to some narrow pathways, and temporarily closed Itaewon's subway station to prevent an excessive number of people moving in the same direction.When asked about the number of officers assigned, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said 137 was still more than it sent in 2020 and 2021, excluding units specifically assigned to virus control measures.Kong added that the lack of a central organizer on Saturday -- when young people flocked to bars and night clubs to celebrate Halloween but there was not one specific event promoted -- may have contributed to the tragedy."In events like festivals that have a specific organizer, discussions are made between related municipalities, police, fire departments and medical experts who prepare and cooperate under different roles," Hong said."