(A pipeline carrying oil byproducts exploded in a southern Iraqi city Tuesday, sparking a massive fire and killing at least 20 people, police said. Several people had been siphoning fuel from the pipeline when the explosion occurred in an industrial zone south of Diwaniyah, 130 kilometers (80 miles) south of Baghdad, police Lt. Raid Jabir was quoted as saying by the Associated Press. He said at least 20 people had been killed and another 20 injured. The reason for the explosion was not immediately clear. Jabir said the massive fire in the area was hampering rescue efforts, and that Iraqi and coalition forces had cordoned off the area. 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.
