HKSAR chief executive says to conclude residential complex fire probe within 9 months

HONG KONG -- Probe into the recent residential complex fire will be concluded within nine months, John Lee, chief executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), told a press conference Friday.

Lee appointed three people, including Justice David Lok, to form an independent committee, which will be tasked with investigating the fire's cause and examining whether related renovation projects had breached laws.

The committee will be granted flexibility to streamline procedures and conclude the probe as soon as possible, Lee said, pledging a thorough investigation into the fire and holding those responsible to answer.

The fire, which broke out on Nov 26 in Tai Po, has claimed 160 lives by 4 pm Tuesday, with six people still missing, according to authorities.

Speaking at a separate press conference Friday afternoon, Lok said that the investigation into the fire incident will be extensive and complex. Setting up an independent committee to examine the matter is the most effective approach, granting it the necessary authority to conduct a thorough investigation, he added.

Based on the investigation findings, the committee will submit recommendations to the chief executive, as part of efforts to assist the government with reforms and prevent the recurrence of similar incidents, Lok said.