EGYPT . . . FIRE, FLOOD CASUALTIES DOUBLED

The river of burning oil slicks that swept through the southern Egyptian town of Durunka has burned or drowned at least 478 people, including about 220 whose bodies remain buried under charred rubble. The disaster began when a train carrying oil derailed Wednesday and flood waters carried the fuel ignited by electric wires into the town of 22,000. Survivors spent much of the day criticizing the government for building an oil storage depot so near their homes; later, Egyptian Prime Minister Atef Sedki arrived, promising 500 Egyptian pounds ($150) to families of the dead and 25 pounds ($7.50) per displaced person.Post your opinion on theInternationalbulletin board.