A fire broke out at a high‑rise apartment complex in Hong Kong, leaving at least 44 people dead and 279 missing.

Outlets including AP, Reuters, South China Morning Post, Yonhap News and Hong Kong’s Sing Tao daily reported that the blaze began around 2:52 p.m. Wednesday in the Tai Po district. 

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee told reporters at the scene on Thursday that with many residents still unaccounted for, the death toll could continue to rise.

Three men have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the fire, and an investigation has begun.

A foreign ministry official said Thursday there have been no reports of South Korean casualties, adding that Seoul’s mission in Hong Kong is working with local authorities to monitor the situation.