China Holds 23 Linked to Fatal Blasts in Tianjin

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/27/world/asia/china-holds-23-linked-to-fatal-blasts-in-tianjin.html

Version 0 of 1.

HONG KONG — The Chinese authorities, facing enormous pressure to account for catastrophic chemical blasts that killed more than 100 people two weeks ago, said Thursday that they had detained or placed under investigation 23 people in connection with the disaster.

Those being investigated included the chief of the transportation department in Tianjin, the northeastern city where the blasts erupted on Aug. 12. Among those detained were employees of the company that owned the warehouse that was at the epicenter of the explosion and employees of the company that conducted the safety assessment of the warehouse.

The authorities described the detainees as directly responsible for the blasts in Tianjin, according to a report by Xinhua, a state-run news agency. The explosions killed 139 people and injured at least 700.

In making the announcement, prosecutors described Tianjin officials as “severely irresponsible” for failing to catch a number of violations committed by the owners of the warehouse, Rui Hai International Logistics. They noted that Tianjin officials, for instance, awarded a permit to Rui Hai, despite its “illegal operation,” according to Xinhua.

The warehouse, which routinely handled highly toxic chemicals like sodium cyanide, was allowed to operate near apartment buildings and a train station, violating Chinese regulations.

Chinese leaders have moved vigorously in recent days to quell outrage over the blasts, which rattled top leaders and raised new questions about the safety of China’s ambitious industrial zones. On Wednesday, officials announced the chief of the State Administration of Work Safety had been removed from his post, and earlier this month they detained several other employees at Rui Hai.

On Thursday, prosecutors said that the Rui Hai employees who had been detained included company executives as well as managers of safety and operations. 

The announcement made clear that the government’s investigation was now broadening to include public servants who were supposed to act as watchdogs. Instead, prosecutors said, they often shirked their duties.

The blasts set off a furious public response. Local residents organized protests and demanded compensation for damaged homes, and environmental activists criticized the government’s cleanup efforts.