NEW DELHI - A factory caught fire and collapsed in the Indian capital Thursday, causing injuries to several people, including some fire officials.

A fire official said three people were rescued from the debris of the building in Peera Garhi area in western New Delhi. Thirty-five fire engines were at the site, and the rescue operation was continuing for some people feared trapped there. 

An eyewitness told New Delhi Television news channel he heard an explosion around 5 a.m. and the station reported the structure collapsed soon afterward.

The fire official spoke anonymously because he was not authorized to release the information. 

Poor safety standards are a frequent cause of fires in India. Last month, a fire believed to be caused by an electrical short circuit engulfed a building in New Delhi, killing at least 43 people.