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At Least 71 Dead After Blast Rocks Nigerian Capital

1 minute read
By David Stout

Updated 8:04 a.m.

Horror in Nigeria as Blast Kills 71

A Red Cross worker and other volunteers help move a body into the mortuary of the Asokoro General Hospital after a bomb blast, in Abuja, April 14, 2014.
A Red Cross worker and other volunteers help move a body into the mortuary of the Asokoro General Hospital after a bomb blast, in Abuja, April 14, 2014. Afolabi Sotunde—Reuters
A bystander reacts as she sees victims of a bomb blast arriving at the Asokoro General Hospital in Abuja, April 14, 2014.
A bystander reacts as she sees victims of a bomb blast arriving at the Asokoro General Hospital in Abuja, April 14, 2014. Afolabi Sotunde—Reuters
Vehicles burn after an attack in Abuja on April 14, 2014.
Vehicles burn after an attack in Abuja on April 14, 2014. AFP/Getty Images
Bomb experts gather evidence at the scene of a bomb blast at Nyanyan in Abuja April 14, 2014.
Bomb experts gather evidence at the scene of a bomb blast at Nyanyan in Abuja April 14, 2014.Afolabi Sotunde—Reuters
A soldier stands guard in front of burnt buses after an attack in Abuja, on April 14, 2014.
A soldier stands guard in front of burnt buses after an attack in Abuja, on April 14, 2014. AFP/Getty Images
Bystanders react as victims of a bomb blast arrive at the Asokoro General Hospital in Abuja April 14, 2014.
Bystanders react as victims of a bomb blast arrive at the Asokoro General Hospital in Abuja April 14, 2014. Afolabi Sotunde—Reuters

A large explosion near a bus station outside the Nigerian capital of Abuja killed at least 71 people and wounded 124 on Monday, according to the Associated Press.

Officials said there was one large explosion followed by secondary blasts as fuel tanks ignited. The blasts destroyed 16 luxury coaches and 24 minibuses, police spokesman Frances Mba said.

“I was waiting to get on a bus when I heard a deafening explosion then smoke. People were running around in panic,” eyewitness Mimi Daniels told Reuters.

There has been no confirmation on what may have caused the initial explosion. No terrorist organizations have taken responsibility, although Islamic extremist group Boko Haram has been making threats against the capital.

[AP]

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