Chinese Port Explosions: Death Toll Rises As Investigation Continues

Officials said Zhou had no recollection of when he reached the scene, and it was not clear whether he was among the first responders to the site who were caught up in the giant blasts, or if he arrived some time later.

The Fire Department of China’s Ministry of Public Security said on its verified microblog that the warehouse was being used by Ruihai worldwide Logistics Co., a company that handles hazardous materials. Dozens more people are reported to still be missing.

The explosions in the city of Tianjin yesterday, killed over 50 people and injured 700.

The government has ordered a nationwide check on risky chemicals and explosives following the explosions, and China’s cabinet also ordered officials to crack down on illegal activities to ensure safety – while the operators of the Tianjin site have been accused of violating safety rules.

A damaged vehicle is covered with shattered wall tiles and window parts at the site of the massive explosions, August 13, 2015, in Tianjin.

The explosions at the port, the world’s 10th largest, were so big they were seen by satellites in space and registered on natural disaster sensors, reported Reuters. “Everybody could see it”. Local media say he is the one and only firefighter who has been saved from the wreckage so far. Authorities have assured residents of Tianjin that the city’s air and seawater has not been contaminated by risky chemicals from an explosion on Wednesday night.

More than 1,000 firefighters have been trying to deal with the remaining blazes, and firefighter Liu Xiaojing said he lost consciousness as he battled the inferno. The jump in casualties came as news emerged that the warehouse which was the source of the explosions was located closer to residential areas that regulations allowed.

A team from the worldwide Atomic Energy Agency’s Beijing environmental emergency response centre, as well as 214 Chinese military nuclear and biochemical materials specialists, are in Tianjin to investigate the cause of the blast and establish whether it has spread toxic gas in the city.

Xinhua State News Agency disclosed that the President, Xi Jinping, wanted the fire to be contained immediately and urged all-out efforts to save the victims.

The warehouse that caused the explosion is owned by the Tanjin Dongjiang Port Rui Hai global company and its officers have been placed under arrest.