Hong Kong. Hong Kong will establish an independent commission of inquiry, led by a judge, to determine the cause of a deadly apartment block fire that shocked the city and to make recommendations to prevent a similar tragedy, Chief Executive John Lee said Tuesday.

Lee pledged to overcome vested interests and hold those responsible accountable for a blaze that killed at least 151 people.

“We must uncover the truth, ensure justice is served, let the deceased rest in peace, and provide comfort to the living,” he told reporters during his 30-minute weekly media appearance, which was entirely focused on last week’s fire.

The fire began in scaffolding erected around the Wang Fuk Court complex for maintenance work and spread to seven of the eight towers. The complex housed more than 4,600 residents, many of whom have been left homeless.

Investigators are examining why the fire spread so quickly, overwhelming firefighting efforts. Authorities have cited high winds and substandard materials used in the maintenance work, including highly flammable foam panels installed to block windows and green netting around the scaffolding that was supposed to be flame-retardant.

Lee said those responsible had mixed substandard netting with compliant materials “to cheat the inspection.”

Police and the city’s anti-corruption authorities have detained 14 people, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a construction company. Thirteen have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.

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