Body of 'El Comandante' lies in state

Hundreds of thousands flocked on to the streets to see the coffin of Hugo Chavez. Credit: Reuters

Through a moving sea of supporters and on a tide of emotion the body of Hugo Chavez was driven through the streets of Caracas to lie in state until Friday's funeral.

Tens of thousands lined the streets or walked with the casket in the Venezuelan capital, many weeping as the body approached, lead by a drum major.

Other mourners pumped their fists and held aloft images of the late president, shouting "The fight goes on! Chavez lives!"

Alcohol sales have been forbidden until the funeral and weekend are over, as the vast outpouring of grief mixes with real fears of instability.

International Editor Bill Neely reports on the extraordinary scenes from Caracas.

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