afrol News, 16 May - At least 100 people were killed and scores severly injured after fuel from a pipeline ruptured by a bulldozer caught fire and exploded in Ijegun village, 50 km from the Nigerian city of Lagos.

Many homes and schools at Ijegun village in Alimosho district were engulfed by fireballs, resulting to the death of several people, including schoolchildren. Most people were killed in the ensuing stampede as people fled in helter-skelter.

Red Cross workers who confirmed the death of 100 people have so far rescued over 20 injured people. They have been rushed to hospital for treatment.

Since 2000, it is believed that more than 1,200 people have been killed as a result of pipeline-related incidents in Nigeria. More than 400 people were killed in two similar explosion in 2006.

The densely populated West African country is the world's eight biggest oil producer.

The latest incident happened when a bulldozer moving earth struck the buried pipeline during road construction.

People could be seen running for their lives when the leaking fuel from the broken pipe caught fire and exploded.

The explosion has raised 15 homes to the houses and a column of vehicles before firefighters and volunteers contain the running flames with water and sand.

"Even after the explosion, the site still remains dangerous thus melting shoes," said an eyewitness.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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