A total of 44 people have died and 279 others are still considered missing as a result of a major fire that broke out in the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in northern Hong Kong, reports  the South China Morning Post.

Hong Kong authorities have announced the arrest of three men on suspicion of manslaughter related to the fire, reports the BBC. The police statement does not provide details, and the authorities have promised to hold a press briefing later.

The fire, which has engulfed seven of the eight high-rise residential buildings, continues to burn, with more than 700 people participating in the firefighting efforts.

The cause of the fire is unknown; it broke out during renovation work being carried out in the residential complex.