India, Nov. 27 -- At least 44 people were killed and 279 remain missing after a devastating fire swept through multiple high-rise towers in Hong Kong's Wang Fuk Court, in what is being described as the worst fire in the city's history, Chinese state media reported on Thursday.

The Hong Kong Police Force confirmed that three men - two company directors and a project consultant aged between 52 and 68 - have been arrested for suspected manslaughter. The arrested men are executives of a construction firm responsible for installing materials now believed to have accelerated the blaze.

Preliminary investigations revealed that protective nets, waterproof canvas, and plastic coverings used on the buildings did not meet fireproof standards. Poli...