'Avoid Crowding On Slopes And Steps In Lan Kwai Fong'

Police on Sunday called on revellers who plan to celebrate Halloween in Lan Kwai Fong to avoid gathering on steep slopes and steps.

The call came after the deadly stampede in Seoul on Saturday that killed more than 150 people and injured over 80 others.

The force said officers will enforce crowd control measures on Sunday and Monday nights to ensure safety in the area.

"We will implement one-way pedestrian flow. Everyone knows that, in Lan Kwai Fong, there are many steep slopes and stairs. To avoid danger, we hope people won't stay or gather at these places for too long," said Chow Wing-yee, an assistant commander in Central District.

She urged members of the public to be patient and follow police orders, saying officers want everyone to enjoy the celebrations in a safe manner.

When asked whether the police are strengthening crowd control measures after the deadly stampede, Chow said the force conduct risk assessments for different events, and the operation this year is similar to those in previous years.

On New Year’s Day in 1993, 21 people were crushed to death in a stampede in Lan Kwai Fong. 62 others were injured.