In Morocco, a fire that roared through a mattress factory in the economic capital of Casablanca has killed 55 people and injured 12 others.

It was the worst fire to hit Morocco since a blaze killed 50 jailed prisoners six years ago.

Mustapha Touil is with the Regional Command for Civil Protection.

"We were surprised to find upon arrival that the factory had several flammable products inside and also we discovered that there were no emergency exits, which are required by law. In addition, we have received information that the employees were locked into the building and unable to escape."

The blaze began on the ground floor of the factory and quickly spread through the four-story building.

About 100 firefighters rushed to the scene of the blaze which was located in an industrial sector of Casablanca.

The exact cause of the fire was not immediately known.

About 100 people were in the factory when the fire broke out.

Investigations into the cause of the accident is underway.