M A I N   N E W S

500 killed in pipeline blast 

Lagos, December 26
More than 500 bodies, most burned beyond recognition, were lying at the scene of a fuel pipeline explosion in Nigeria's largest city, Lagos. Hundreds of people went to scoop fuel from the pipeline after thieves punctured it overnight at Abule Egba, a heavily populated area, said Red Cross Secretary General Abiodun Orebiyi. Reuters photographer Akintunde Akinleye said he counted more than 500 bodies, possibly up to 700, burned beyond recognition. Oremiyi said there was no official estimate of the death toll. — Reuters