Tragedy struck Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, this week as a petrol pipeline explosion left scores of people dead and over 100 seriously injured.
According to reports, fire fighters descended upon the city’s Lunga Lunga industrial region to battle the ensuing flames which claimed the lives of at least 75 people.
While the cause of the explosion is yet to be confirmed, it is suggested a stray cigarette butt may have been thrown into an open sewer that was filling with fuel.
Tragedy raises ethical questions
In a statement, the Kenya Pipeline Company confirmed fuel had leaked into a storm drain from the Nairobi-Mombasa pipeline.
The comments have once again brought to the fore accusations levied against oil and gas companies that they often fail to adequately bury or protect their pipelines in developing countries.
The Guardian claims that in the past 24 months there has been up to 30 major pipeline explosions and leaks of oil and gas in such regions.
The Nairobi-Mombasa pipeline travels through the heart of the densely populated Sinai slum area.
According to residents, a number of the shacks had been erected on top of the pipeline. The spill, locals say, prompted many people to rush and collect leaking fuel.
Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the explosion.
