12 September 2011 Last updated at 16:48

In pictures: Kenyan pipeline blast

People watch as rescuers work at the scene of a fire at a slum near the industrial area of Nairobi (12 September 2011)

Dozens of people were killed after an explosion and fire at a slum near an industrial area of the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.

An injured person is assisted by medical personnel upon arrival at Kenyatta National Hospital (12 September 2011)

The fire was said to have taken place when a cigarette butt was dropped into an open sewer containing oil from a leaking pipeline. The Kenyan Pipeline Company released a statement apologising for the spill.

An injured person is brought to Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya (12 September 2011)

The area was said to have been crowded as residents gathered to collect the leaking fuel. Some people were killed as their tinned-roof shacks caught fire.

Bodies lay in a river at the scene of a fire at a slum near the industrial area in Nairobi (12 September 2011)

Witnesses said many of the victims were burnt beyond recognition.

An injured person awaits treatment after being brought to Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya (12 September 2011)

Survivors staggered around the area following the blast, many suffering serious burns. More than 110 casualties were taken to hospital for treatment.

Joseph Mwangi, 34, is aided by ambulance workers as he lies at the scene of a fuel explosion in Nairobi, Kenya (12 September 2011)

Relatives and friends of those missing searched the area for clues as to the fate of their loved ones. This man was in a state of shock after discovering the charred remains of two of his children near the wreckage of his home.

Relatives react at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya (12 September 2011)

The head of Kenyatta National Hospital said it urgently needed blankets and blood donors. Meanwhile, relatives clustered around the hospital, waiting for news.

Africa

In pictures: Kenyan pipeline blast

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