Pipeline explosion kills 5 in Iraq

BAGHDAD, Iraq – A pipeline carrying oil byproducts exploded in a southern Iraqi city Tuesday, killing at least five people, police said.

Several people had been siphoning fuel from the pipeline when the explosion occurred near Diwaniyah, a town 80 miles south of Baghdad, police Lt. Raid Jabir said. He said at least five people had been killed and 15 injured. The reason for the explosion was not immediately clear.

The town was the scene of fierce clashes between the Iraqi army and Shiite militia on Monday that left 40 people dead, but the situation on Tuesday was calm, the army said.

AP