Pipeline fire kills dozens in Nairobi slum

Blaze rages through densely populated Embakasi slum in Kenya’s capital after an explosion in a petrol pipeline More than 100 people were burned to death after a petrol fire broke out in a densely populated slum in Nairobi, local media said. Television channels aired images of smouldering skeletons as the fire raged through the slum, according to Reuters. The Associated Press said its reporter had counted at least 40 dead bodies in the remains of burning shacks up to 300 metres (1,000ft) from the site of an explosion. Other bodies were floating in a nearby river filled with sewage. Witnesses said people had jumped into the river after catching fire. Residents said homes had been built right up to a petrol pipeline that runs through the heavily populated slum of Embakasi, between the city centre and the airport. Police said they were still counting bodies. They said some of those killed had been trying to scoop up spilled petrol. Kenya Africa Oil Energy Fossil fuels guardian.co.uk

Posted by on September 12, 2011. Filed under News, Politics, World News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.