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Explosion in Hama kills 70
Activists have said that up to 70 people have been killed in an attack on a house in Hama in Syria, while state media reports 16 dead.
The UN says about 9,000 people have died since pro-democracy protests began in March 2011
They said several houses in the Mashaa at-Tayyar district in southern Hama were destroyed by a big explosion.
State media has accused "armed terrorist groups" of the crime.
Meanwhile, a video has emerged which purportedly shows a man being buried alive by security forces, allegedly for sending material to TV stations.
The unnamed man, who is said to be a media activist, is seen pleading for his life as earth is shovelled over his head. He then goes silent.
The security forces are heard cursing him for receiving money for sending material to Arabic satellite TV stations.
The video was leaked by sympathisers.
Following the blast in Hama, activists posted video on the internet showing a scene of devastation, with bodies being pulled from the rubble.
One report said 13 children and 15 women were among the dead.
They said the blast was caused by government shelling or even a Scud missile attack.
The reports cannot be independently verified owing to government restrictions on foreign media.
Continuing violence has been reported across Syria since a ceasefire was introduced earlier this month - including in towns where UN observers are present.
