New Delhi, Dec. 2 -- Hong Kong will set up an independent committee of inquiry headed 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 from happening again, its leader said Tuesday.

John Lee, the chief executive of the Chinese region, pledged to overcome vested interests and bring about systemic change in the construction industry after a fire that killed at least 151 people last week. He said 30 others remain missing.

"We must uncover the truth, ensure that justice is served, let the deceased rest in peace and provide comfort to the living," he told reporters at a weekly press conference. "We want to ensure that we will prevent such a trag...