At least 19 people are reported to have died, including nine children, following an apartment fire in the Bronx, New York on Sunday.

Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said it was one of the worst and most horrific incidents he has seen since the 1990 Happy Land social club arson fire, which claimed 87 lives.

According to Commissioner Nigro, most of the victims suffered serious smoke inhalation. He stated that while the cause has yet to be determined, he hasn’t ruled out a nefarious connection to the incident.

City Mayor Eric Adams, who arrived on the scene, expressed sadness and remorse for the victims and families affected by the tragedy.

“This is a horrific, horrific, painful moment for the City of New York, and the impact of this fire is going to really bring a level of just pain and despair in our city. The numbers are horrific,” he said. “We have over 32 people who are in life-threatening at this time,” he added.

19 of those persons reportedly succumbed to their injuries, with the death toll expected to increase according to local media outlets.

The city is now scrambling to provide aid to displaced residents with the American Red Cross Mayor Adams added.