Two massive explosions caused by flammable goods rip through an industrial area in the Chinese port city of Tianjin. China’s State Television says the blasts were caused by a shipment of explosives at around 11:30 at night on Wednesday. At least 17 are dead, and hundreds more injured. Authorities have reportedly lost contact with 36 firefighters at the scene.
The force of the blasts were felt kilometres away, shattering windows and causing widespread panic. Videos posted online capture delayed shockwaves from the explosions hitting buildings.
In one video, a voice asks if the blast is an atomic bomb. Xinhua news agency says the first explosion was equivalent to 3 tonnes of TNT. The second, they say, was equivalent to 21 tonnes. Industrial accidents are not uncommon in China, following three decades of breakneck economic growth. Tianjin is home to around 15 million people, making it one of the biggest cities in China. It is also home to one of the country’s biggest ports.
Ruters