John Lee orders full investigation into Hong Kong's residential fire

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government would set up an independent commission chaired by a judge to conduct a thorough investigation into the recent residential fire and ensure full accountability for those responsible, John Lee, HKSAR chief executive, told reporters on Tuesday.

The fire has claimed 151 lives and injured 79 people, said Lee, adding that the police are following up on approximately 30 remaining cases of missing individuals. Measures include activating temporary shelters and arranging for some 2,500 people to take up temporary residence in transitional housing and hotels in phases. The Legislative Council (LegCo) election scheduled for Dec. 7 would proceed as planned, Lee said.