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A man rinses soot from his face, Lagos 2006
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A man rinses soot from his face, Lagos 2006
A man rinses soot from his face at the scene of a gas pipeline explosion near Nigerias commercial capital Lagos December 26, 2006. Up to 500 people were burned alive on Tuesday when fuel from a vandalised pipeline exploded in Nigerias largest city, Lagos, emergency workers said. Hundreds of residents of the Abule Egba district went to scoop fuel using plastic containers after thieves punctured the underground pipeline overnight to siphon fuel into a road tanker, locals said. BEST QUALITY AVAILABLE REUTERS/Akintunde Akinleye (NIGERIA)
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Media ID 5793301
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this poignant print captured in Lagos, Nigeria in 2006, we witness the aftermath of a devastating gas pipeline explosion. The image portrays a man desperately rinsing soot from his face, an act that symbolizes both physical and emotional cleansing. The incident occurred on December 26th when thieves punctured an underground pipeline to siphon fuel into a road tanker. Tragically, their actions led to the loss of up to 500 lives as the stolen fuel ignited and engulfed the Abule Egba district in flames. Amidst the chaos and destruction, this photograph captures one individual's struggle for survival amidst unimaginable devastation. His face stained with soot serves as a haunting reminder of the horrors witnessed that day. The resilience displayed by this man is emblematic of Nigerians' spirit in times of adversity – their determination to rise above tragedy and rebuild shattered lives. It also sheds light on the dangerous consequences stemming from illegal activities such as fuel theft. This powerful image serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and highlights the urgent need for safety measures surrounding pipelines across Nigeria. It stands not only as documentation but also as an evocative call for change – urging society to address issues like poverty, desperation, and criminality that contribute to these tragic incidents. Photo credit: REUTERS/Akintunde Akinleye (NIGERIA)
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