South Korean police have arrested two former senior officers in connection with the deadly Halloween crowd crush in Seoul. The two are accused of ordering subordinates to destroy evidence.

The incident in the capital's Itaewon district on October 29 left 158 people dead, including two Japanese citizens. Experts believe a lack of plans to ensure safety on the day of the incident was among the factors leading to the tragedy.

South Korean media outlets reported the arrests on Monday of the former officers, one from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency and another from the Yongsan Police Station, which oversees Itaewon.

The two are alleged to have ordered that a report pointing out the danger of an accident happening during Halloween festivities be deleted in the wake of the incident.

Arrest warrants had been sought for other officials as well, including a former chief of the Yongsan Police Station, on suspicion of professional negligence resulting in death and injury. But the court has rejected the request.

The media outlets said a special police team is also investigating a top Yongsan district official and a Fire Department chief.

Investigators are working to get to the bottom of what actually caused the incident.