Another Nigerian pipeline blaze kills 18

Another oil pipeline fire has killed 18 people in the Niger River Delta, an area where similar blazes have killed hundreds.

Officials from the state-run Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation say the victims were among hundreds of villagers crowding around a leaking pipeline to scoop up petrol. Pipeline vandalism, known as 'scooping', is common despite the risk of fires or of punishment - including being shot on sight by police.

A state government spokesman said heavy rainfall helped extinguish the blaze and villagers were back at the scene the following day to scoop up more fuel.

Last updated: 16:35 Tuesday 15th August 2000.

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/world_nigeria-fires_936405.html

-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), August 15, 2000