Pipeline blast death toll rises

The death toll in a massive gas pipeline explosion in Belgium has risen to 17, including three Frenchmen.

One person died on Sunday, raising the toll from 16. Four people remain missing after Friday’s blast at an industrial park south of Brussels.

Several of the 40 people still being treated for severe burns remain in life-threatening conditions, said Frederic Bariseau of the prosecutor’s office, which is keeping track of casualty figures.