Moroccan factory boss held in fatal flood investigation

Moroccan authorities have detained the owner of an underground textile factory in Tangiers where 28 people died earlier this month, trapped when storm waters flooded in, prosecutors said Wednesday.

The owner is being held in custody as investigations continue into the February 8 deaths.

"After preliminary questioning, the investigating judge decided to place the owner of this industrial unit in prison, pending the completion of the investigation procedures," a government prosecutor said Wednesday.

While initial reports after the tragedy said the textile factory was illegal, the status of the flooded garment workshop "remains to be verified," a police source told AFP.

The deaths sparked outrage and reignited debate over working conditions in the informal sector, which plays a key role in the economy.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay connected