More than 500 killed in Lagos pipeline blast

LAGOS, Dec 26 (Reuters) More than 500 bodies, most burned beyond recognition, were lying at the scene of a fuel pipeline explosion in Nigeria's largest city, Lagos, a Reuters witness said today.

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, but said the 700 figure could be right.

Another Red Cross volunteer at the scene said: ''A lot of people have been roasted. They are littered on the ground.'' Reuters MS VV1757