At least 61 people have burnt to death after a petrol pipeline exploded in Kenya, it has been reported.

The blast happened as people were trying to scoop up fuel that had spilled from a nearby tank in a densely populated slum in the capital, Nairobi.

Children at a nearby school are believed to be among the victims.

Local television reports showed horrific images of smouldering bodies and badly burnt victims trying to flee as the fire raged through the area.

Witnesses said firefighters scrambled across the corrugated rooftops of burning shacks to pour foam over the flames.

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