India factory blaze kills 43

A fire engine is seen at the site of a fire that swept through a factory where laborers were sleeping
A fire engine is seen at the site of a fire that swept through a factory where laborers were sleeping. Photo credit: Reuters

Police in India have arrested a building owner in Delhi, after a factory fire killed at least 43 people.

Officials say dozens of workers were sleeping inside when the fire broke out, and the building had no fire safety certificate.

The factory is in a densely populated area, and narrow alleyways made the situation difficult for emergency services. 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the fire was "horrific".

"We woke up with cries and shouts for help," Ronak Khan, a 17-year-old living next door told reporters.

"I saw people trapped. We asked them to come to the rooftop so that we could rescue them but they were not able to come up."

It's not clear yet what sparked the blaze, but it's suspected a short circuit may be to blame.

Factories in India and Bangladesh are notorious for their lack of safety procedures and substandard working conditions. Fires and explosions regularly make international headlines.