Washington, Apr 27 (IANS): UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said he was "saddened by the loss of life" in the collapse of a building housing several garment factories in Bangladesh, which killed at least 304 workers.

"The secretary-general is deeply saddened by the loss of life and injuries caused by the collapse of a garment factory on the outskirts of the capital, Dhaka, earlier this week," Xinhua quoted a statement by Ban's spokesperson Martin Nesirky as saying.

The UN chief extended his condolences to the government and people of Bangladesh.

"He expresses his deepest sympathies to those who have lost loved ones or have been otherwise affected by this tragedy," the statement said.

The secretary-general also noted that the UN stands ready to provide any assistance that may be needed.

An eight-storey building collapsed Wednesday on the outskirts of Dhaka.

Officials said the death toll climbed to 304 Friday evening. Rescuers have so far pulled alive about 2,400 people, including up to 100 Friday.