Pipeline blaze kills 50 in Nigeria

Leaking fuel from a vandalised pipeline in Nigeria burst into flames killing 50 people. The accident happened in the state of Abia in the south east of the country. Fire crews attended the scene but were unable to prevent extensive damage.

Leaking fuel from a vandalised pipeline in Nigeria burst into flames killing 50 people. The accident happened in the state of Abia in the south east of the country. Fire crews attended the scene but were unable to prevent extensive damage.

It is believed those killed were pilfering fuel. This incident was the latest effecting petrol scavengers, two years ago 700 people died in one horrific blaze. Despite Nigeria being one of Africa's main producers of crude oil, high levels of poverty mean petrol is scarce and the black economy is rife.