17 killed, 400 injured in China port explosions

At least 17 people have been killed and over 400 injured in two massive explosions followed by heavy fire at a warehouse containing chemical and toxic materials in the northern Chinese port city of Tianjin, state media reported today.

The blasts ripped through the Ruihai warehouse, which stores dangerous goods, at 11.20 pm local time yesterday, following a fire report half an hour earlier.

Fireballs erupted then ignited more explosions in companies nearby, according to rescuers, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Official television CCTV showed footage of massive explosions in the city.

More than 10,000 people were reportedly evacuated from the nearby areas.Tianjin, a major port city is located about 150 km from Beijing.It said 17 people were killed and over 400 injured in the incident.

The TV report said the fire still yet to be contained as firefighters cannot use water to put it out due to presence of chemicals and instead has to use sand and other materials to contain it.

Xinhua also reported two firefighters were “out of contact” and another four injured during the rescue. There are people trapped inside the blast site and rescue operation is still going on. The injured have been sent to several hospitals nearby.

The shockwaves were felt kilometres away, with window glass of buildings shattered.

As soon as the explosion was under control, some taxi drivers and private car owners have voluntarily helped with sending the wounded to hospitals.

Some hotels have provided free accommodation to residents displaced by the blast.

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Source:Thehindu