But a grieving father told the BBC the report "cut off the lizard's tail to save the head".

A deadly crush on Oct. 29 killed 159 mostly young people partying in Itaewon, a popular nightlife district in the center of the capital with narrow streets and alleys lined with bars and restaurants.

The bereaved victims' families and the South Korean public want high-level officials to be held accountable.

In December, South Korea's parliament passed a motion calling for the sacking of interior minister Lee Sang-min.

However, Mr Son said local government, police, fire departments and metro officials were among those with "legal responsibility to prevent and respond to disasters".

No precautions were taken before, and appropriate measures were not taken after an emergency call for help was received, the inspector said.