HARBIN -- Three people died and 14 others were injured after a farmer in Northeast China set his neighbor's house on fire Monday night, local authorities said Tuesday.

The tragedy happened at 8 pm Monday, the city government of Zhaodong in Heilongjiang province said in a news release late Tuesday.

It said the arsonist, a villager surnamed Li from Xibali township of Zhaodong, lit a gasoline barrel, threw it into his neighbor's house and fled the scene.

Investigators said it could be an act of revenge, as sources close to Li said he was in a dispute with his neighbor.

The victims included the neighbor's family and visitors who had dropped in to convey greetings for the Chinese lunar new year.

Police are chasing the suspect.