The premier of Ontario says there will be an independent public inquiry into the deadly roof collapse at a mall in Elliot Lake.

Dalton McGuinty says he’s told the families of the two victims that he’ll be launching an independent probe into Saturday’s cave-in at the Algo Centre Mall.

Doloris Perizzolo and Lucie Aylwin were crushed to death when part of the roof at the mall came crashing down.

Residents have since said the mall was not in good condition and have questioned the speed at which rescuers tried to reach those trapped in the rubble.

McGuinty says the victims’ families and other Ontarians have raised “important questions that deserve to be answered” and that the province has an obligation to do whatever it can to prevent similar tragedies.

McGuinty says details about the inquiry will be announced later.