Death Toll from Hong Kong High-Rise Fire Climbs to 36 People, 3 Arrested

The death toll has risen following the Hong Kong high-rise fire, which is now the deadliest in decades, and three arrests have been made in connection with the blaze.

The fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong’s northern Tai Po district at around 2:15 p.m. local time on Wednesday, Nov. 26, according to a release from the Hong Kong government.

A Hong Kong Police spokesperson said three men have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in relation to the blaze, according to CNN.

The death toll now stands at 36 people, according to the BBC and Reuters. Among the victims is 37-year-old firefighter Ho Wai-ho, who spent nine years with the service at Sha Tin Fire Station.

The fire service said it lost contact with the firefighter at about 3:30 p.m. and found him collapsed about 30 minutes later. He was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

“I am profoundly grieved at the loss of this dedicated and gallant fireman,” said Andy Yeung, director of the fire service.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee has confirmed that another 279 people remain missing, according to the BBC.

“The priority is to extinguish the fire and rescue the residents who are trapped,” Lee told reporters, Reuters reported. “The second is to support the injured. The third is to support and recover. Then, we’ll launch a thorough investigation.”

Wednesday’s fire is the deadliest since the Garley Building fire in Kowloon in November 1996, which killed 41 people, Reuters noted. That fire was caused by welding during internal renovations.

The high-rise involved in the current fire was covered in green construction netting and bamboo scaffolding, which may have fueled the flames, the outlets reported.

This latest blaze is also the first level five fire in Hong Kong in 17 years, according to the BBC.

District Officer for Tai Po from the Home Affairs Department Eunice Chan Hau-man said more than 700 people were evacuated from the apartment complex and moved to temporary shelters, CNN reported.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Meanwhile, Lee said upwards of 900 residents were impacted by Wednesday’s blaze, which he called “a major disaster.”

“I express deep condolences to the families of the deceased and those who were injured,” Lee told reporters at a news conference. “We will provide all necessary assistance.”