About 100 die in Nigerian pipeline fire
LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) - May 15, 2008 Road construction machinery pierced the pipe carrying refined
fuel through a village outside Nigeria's main city, spreading
flames into the surrounding area, said Nigerian Red Cross disaster
coordinator Suleman Maikubi.
Many children fled from the school before it was completely
engulfed in fire, and Red Cross officials were working to reconnect
children with parents who rushed to the scene.
Maikubi said it was unclear how many children were among the
roughly 100 people killed. About 20 people were injured and taken
to a hospital for treatment, but fire-control teams were on the
scene and bringing the blaze under control, he said.
Pipeline fires are common in Nigeria. More than 400 people died
in two similar pipeline explosions in Lagos in 2006 and at least 40
died in December.
Authorities frequently blame the disasters on criminal gangs who
break into the pipelines to siphon fuel for sale, attracting crowds
of people who come in their wake to scavenge for fuel. The spark
for the flames is never identified.
