Hong Kong will establish an independent inquiry committee, chaired by a judge, to investigate the cause of a devastating apartment block fire and recommend reforms to prevent similar disasters, Chief Executive John Lee announced Tuesday. Public pressure for accountability has grown sharply as authorities confirmed the death toll had risen to at least 156, with around 30 people still unaccounted for.

Lee pledged to confront entrenched interests and overhaul Hong Kong’s building renovation system. The blaze erupted last Wednesday around scaffolding at the Wang Fuk Court complex in Tai Po, quickly engulfing seven of its eight towers and leaving thousands of residents displaced. Forty people remain hospitalized.

At least 14 individuals — including scaffolding contractors, company heads and an engineering consultant — have been arrested on suspicion of corruption and negligence linked to the renovation project.

Hong Kong probes corruption, negligence after deadliest fire in decades claims 128 lives

Investigators are examining why the fire spread so rapidly, aided by high winds and allegedly substandard construction materials. Authorities said seven of 20 netting samples collected failed safety standards and that inferior materials were mixed with approved ones to deceive inspectors.

Lee would not address reports of arrests tied to criticism of the government but warned he would not tolerate any crimes exploiting the tragedy. He said 2,500 people have been relocated to temporary housing, while about 20 remain in shelters.

Source: AP