Nigerian health workers disinfect pipeline blaze site, search for victims

0 Comments | AFP, December, 2006

LAGOS (AFP) — Nigerian health officials have sprayed chemicals to disinfect the site of an oil pipeline explosion that killed more than 260 people and injured dozens, according to the Nigerian Red Cross, while volunteers searched for more victims. The state-run Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the owner of the vandalised pipeline that burst into flames Tuesday in the northern Abule Egba district of Lagos, said the latest toll for the blaze was "between 200 and 250".

"As at the last count, between 200 and 250 people have died in the disaster," NNPC spokesman Levi Ajuonuma said in a television interview Wednesday, describing the victims as "criminals" who vandalised pipelines to steal petrol and sell it. Nigerian Red Cross Executive Secretary Abiodun Orebiyi...