A devastating fire broke out early Thursday morning at a mixed-use apartment building in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, claiming the lives of three people, including a 5-year-old child, a 32-year-old pregnant woman, and a 76-year-old man. At least three others were injured, including a 4-year-old boy in critical condition. The fire, which occurred at 5222 W. North Ave., was extinguished before 4 a.m., but the damage was severe, particularly on the building’s third floor, which showed significant destruction, including collapsed windows and a burned-out stairwell.

Authorities are treating the fire as arson, and it’s believed to have been set after a violent domestic dispute. According to 37th Ward Alderman Emma Mitts, the altercation escalated, leading to a Molotov cocktail being thrown at the building, sparking the fire. In addition to the victims, the fire displaced at least 25 people, and officials are still searching for one person who remains missing.

Among the victims was a well-known local journalist who worked for the Austin Voice, and the tragic incident has left the community shaken. The search for the missing person continues, and the building has been heavily compromised. Authorities have not yet made any arrests, and further details on the case are scarce. The investigation is ongoing as police work to piece together what led to this deadly blaze.