Egyptian pipeline fire injures 17

A major fire broke out after a leak of oil from the pipeline next to a busy highway in a Cairo suburb on Tuesday. The pipeline runs along a motorway on the outskirts of the capital and a spark caused by passing cars ignited crude that was leaking from the pipe, the petroleum ministry said.

The pipeline's taps were immediately closed in the area of the blaze and the flames were brought under control, it added in a statement. A witness at the scene said about two dozen cars were torched, apparently abandoned by motorists. Authorities said 17 people were injured. There was no immediate word from authorities on why the pipeline had leaked. The state prosecutor has dispatched a team to investigate.