Kenya Pipeline Fire: Over 100 Killed (Video)

by NowPublic Staff | September 12, 2011 at 05:06 am

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Pipeline Fire Causes Explosion in Slum, Over 100 Die

An oil pipeline leaked into a sewage-filled river in Nairobi, Kenya, causing an explosion that has killed over 100 people.

The blast occurred on Lunga Lunga road in the Sinai slum. It's not yet clear what caused the leaking oil to explode, but police spokesman Charles Owino said that the most likely cause was a lit cigarette tossed into the sewer.

A crowd had gathered to salvage the leaking fuel from the broken pipe. The blast sent flames shooting out over 300 yards, destroying shanty-town homes and setting people on fire.

Fires from the blast are still burning, and roads in and out of Sinai are closed. Initial estimates had around 60 people killed, but that number has since doubled.