A factory in Bangladesh that manufactures cardigans and sweaters for H&M and other fashion companies caught on fire in a roaring blaze that killed at least 21 workers and injured 50 others, reports the Independent UK.

Owned by the Garib & Garib Newaj company, the factory incident occurred at 9pm and those caught in the flames were working into the night to finish up orders.

According to the paper, unconfirmed reports from Bangladesh claim that the fire safety equipment at the factory was useless.

While, H&M states that it has audited the factory in the past, last in October, and found no glaring fire hazards.

"The findings we had at Garib & Garib on the last audit were two covered fire extinguishers but that was corrected immediately," the fast fashion company said.

Despite the retailer's findings, the manufacturer doesn't exactly have a squeaky clean record. There was a factory fire as recent as last August, reports the news site.

Though H&M emphasizes that Garib & Garib is only a "small" supplier for the company, the Swedish retailer is not planning on pulling out of the factory anytime soon.

"In general we have been satisfied with Garib & Garib's way of working with our code of conduct. As far as we know this terrible accident was not caused by poor working conditions or safety measures," the retailer told the Independent.

"When it comes to general working conditions in Bangladesh, we believe that being present in the country is the way we can make a change long-term."