Hong Kong police have arrested a van driver after his vehicle collided with a taxi on a highway, killing two passengers, including an off-duty firefighter.

The Fire Services Department said on Wednesday it was “deeply saddened” by the deaths of the 38-year-old from Kwun Tong fire station and his 35-year-old wife. The department extended its “deepest condolences” to their families and said it would offer help where possible.

The crash on the eastbound Tsing Sha Highway near Hoi Lai Estate was reported to police at about 10.27pm on Wednesday.

The 44-year-old van driver was subsequently arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving causing death.

During the collision, the couple, who were seated in the rear of the taxi, were thrown from the vehicle and onto the highway. The man was found lying motionless next to the van, while his wife was discovered several metres away.

Footage circulating online shows the light-goods vehicle crashing into the front of the taxi, causing it to flip at least five times before hitting a road barrier and coming to a stop.

Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.