The death toll from the explosion in Tianjin port on 12 August has increased to at least 42, with more than 400 injured, according to the local government and state media.
Nine firefighters died while containing the fire and many more were unaccounted for as of 10:30 h local time on 13 August, according to the People’s Daily.
Pictures and videos on social media showed three blasts at around 11:30 h local time on 12 August. The shockwaves were felt kilometres away and shattered glass windows of buildings, local media reported.
Related news:Tianjin port gets back to work after deadly warehouse blasts
The state-run Xinhua News Agency reported that the explosions have been confirmed to have taken place at Tianjin Dongjiang Port Rui Hai International Logistics’ warehouse storing “dangerous and chemical goods” at the Dongjiang Bonded Area of Tianjin port.
Chinese president Xi Jinping has ordered local authorities in Tianjin to step up efforts to contain the fire and search for the missing, according to Xinhua News Agency.
Xi also commanded a work group led by Public Security Minister Guo Shengkun to direct rescue operation and emergency response.
The Shanghai-listed port said its operations were back to normal and evaluation of damages caused by the accident is under way.
This post was sourced from IHS Maritime 360: View the original article here.
