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China blast: fireball from Tianjin explosions injures hundreds and kills at least 17 – latest updates China blasts: fireball from Tianjin explosions injures hundreds and kills at least 17 – latest updates
(35 minutes later)
1.57pm AEST04:57
Summary
Twelve hours after two huge blasts rocked the Chinese port city of Tianjin, here is what we know:
Updated at 1.59pm AEST
1.42pm AEST04:42
Updated casualty figures
State media reports that there are now:
1.40pm AEST04:40
Amber Ziye Wang reports that firefighting efforts have been suspended in part because of fears that the warehouses could contain cyanide products, which are highly toxic.
1.35pm AEST04:35
My colleague Fergus Ryan is at Tianjin Teda hospital, where many of those injured in the blasts have been taken.
A number of tents have been set up outside the hospital building to treat the injured, reported to be at least 400 people:
1.25pm AEST04:251.25pm AEST04:25
Firefighting suspended amid safety fearsFirefighting suspended amid safety fears
Efforts to contain the fires in Tianjin have been suspended due to uncertainty over the contents of warehouses and other areas that are ablaze, reports via BBC News and Reuters say.Efforts to contain the fires in Tianjin have been suspended due to uncertainty over the contents of warehouses and other areas that are ablaze, reports via BBC News and Reuters say.
The Binhai New District government in Tianjin city made the announcement on its official Weibo account, saying firefighting efforts have been suspended due to lack of clarity about the contents and amount of the “dangerous goods” in the warehouse.The Binhai New District government in Tianjin city made the announcement on its official Weibo account, saying firefighting efforts have been suspended due to lack of clarity about the contents and amount of the “dangerous goods” in the warehouse.
We have already heard that nine firefighters have died and 36 are missing in the wake of the two blasts. Around 100 fire trucks are on the scene.We have already heard that nine firefighters have died and 36 are missing in the wake of the two blasts. Around 100 fire trucks are on the scene.
Updated at 1.26pm AESTUpdated at 1.26pm AEST
1.17pm AEST04:171.17pm AEST04:17
Associated Press reports that authorities on the scene are exercising strict controls over reporters and onlookers:Associated Press reports that authorities on the scene are exercising strict controls over reporters and onlookers:
As is customary during disasters, Chinese authorities are trying to keep a tight control over information.As is customary during disasters, Chinese authorities are trying to keep a tight control over information.
Police are keeping journalists and bystanders away with a cordon as many as a few kilometres from the site.Police are keeping journalists and bystanders away with a cordon as many as a few kilometres from the site.
On China’s popular microblogging platform Weibo, some users complain that their posts about the blasts have been deleted, and the number of searchable posts on the disaster fluctuated, in a sign that authorities are manipulating or placing limits on the number of posts.On China’s popular microblogging platform Weibo, some users complain that their posts about the blasts have been deleted, and the number of searchable posts on the disaster fluctuated, in a sign that authorities are manipulating or placing limits on the number of posts.
Local reports from close to the hospital suggested that reporters had been told by authorities there not to take photographs and to delete any images they had taken.Local reports from close to the hospital suggested that reporters had been told by authorities there not to take photographs and to delete any images they had taken.
1.09pm AEST04:091.09pm AEST04:09
Chinese state-controlled news agency Xinhua has provided some more information on what it describes as “the logistic company that owns the warehouses”:Chinese state-controlled news agency Xinhua has provided some more information on what it describes as “the logistic company that owns the warehouses”:
According to the company’s official website, Tianjin Dongjiang Port Rui Hai International Logistics Co. Ltd. was founded in 2011 and is a storage and distribution center of containers of dangerous goods at the Tianjin port.According to the company’s official website, Tianjin Dongjiang Port Rui Hai International Logistics Co. Ltd. was founded in 2011 and is a storage and distribution center of containers of dangerous goods at the Tianjin port.
The company’s business includes the storage, transfer, distribution and customs declaration of dangerous chemicals. Freight volume through the company stands at one million tonnes each year, with annual revenues exceeding 30 million yuan (US$4.7m).The company’s business includes the storage, transfer, distribution and customs declaration of dangerous chemicals. Freight volume through the company stands at one million tonnes each year, with annual revenues exceeding 30 million yuan (US$4.7m).
The center includes two warehouses for dangerous goods. One is located next to an office building.The center includes two warehouses for dangerous goods. One is located next to an office building.
Executives of the company have been controlled.Executives of the company have been controlled.
The meaning of “controlled” is not clear. It is likely to mean “detained”.The meaning of “controlled” is not clear. It is likely to mean “detained”.
Updated at 1.20pm AESTUpdated at 1.20pm AEST
12.55pm AEST03:5512.55pm AEST03:55
The UK foreign secretary Philip Hammond, who is currently in Beijing on a two-day visit to China, has put out this statement on the Tianjin explosions. He visited the port city earlier on Wednesday:The UK foreign secretary Philip Hammond, who is currently in Beijing on a two-day visit to China, has put out this statement on the Tianjin explosions. He visited the port city earlier on Wednesday:
I express my deep condolences for the tragic loss of life and the hundreds injured in the Tianjin explosions.I express my deep condolences for the tragic loss of life and the hundreds injured in the Tianjin explosions.
I was in this vibrant city, meeting local workers at the Airbus factory, just hours before the explosions happened and pay tribute to Tianjin emergency workers who have been fighting fires and treating casualties.I was in this vibrant city, meeting local workers at the Airbus factory, just hours before the explosions happened and pay tribute to Tianjin emergency workers who have been fighting fires and treating casualties.
I have conveyed Britain’s condolences to senior Chinese ministers and our Embassy in Beijing is in touch with relevant national and local authorities.I have conveyed Britain’s condolences to senior Chinese ministers and our Embassy in Beijing is in touch with relevant national and local authorities.
There are no reports so far of any British injured but consular staff are working urgently to establish whether any have been caught up in this terrible incident.There are no reports so far of any British injured but consular staff are working urgently to establish whether any have been caught up in this terrible incident.
12.46pm AEST03:4612.46pm AEST03:46
Fergus Ryan in Tianjin reports that factories in the port city have been told not to open until they have been checked for safety:Fergus Ryan in Tianjin reports that factories in the port city have been told not to open until they have been checked for safety:
According to Mihir Bajoria, who is CEO of Monocon International, which has a factory in the affected area (Tianjin Monocon Refractories), all factories in Tianjin have been given orders to not start production till safety checks are carried out.According to Mihir Bajoria, who is CEO of Monocon International, which has a factory in the affected area (Tianjin Monocon Refractories), all factories in Tianjin have been given orders to not start production till safety checks are carried out.
“Lots of people were injured in their houses simply by the glass shattering,” Bajoria said.“Lots of people were injured in their houses simply by the glass shattering,” Bajoria said.
12.38pm AEST03:3812.38pm AEST03:38
A number of Tianjin residents have described the blasts as akin to an earthquake and the blast was indeed registered by the US Geological Survey, which noted two small seismological actions followed by one big one at a seismometer station 160km (100 miles) away in Beijing.A number of Tianjin residents have described the blasts as akin to an earthquake and the blast was indeed registered by the US Geological Survey, which noted two small seismological actions followed by one big one at a seismometer station 160km (100 miles) away in Beijing.
USGS geophysicist John Bellini said it was rare to detect seismological activity from non-earthquake events:USGS geophysicist John Bellini said it was rare to detect seismological activity from non-earthquake events:
Blasts that are not mine-related are rare to record, just because they don’t get transferred into the ground very well.Blasts that are not mine-related are rare to record, just because they don’t get transferred into the ground very well.
Related: China's Tianjin blast sets off earthquake-recording instruments 100 miles awayRelated: China's Tianjin blast sets off earthquake-recording instruments 100 miles away
12.32pm AEST03:3212.32pm AEST03:32
An indication of how difficult it is for local people in Tianjin to get up-to-date information on what’s happening in their city (and the difficulty for reporters in finding and communicating that information) – my colleague Fergus Ryan says local Tianjin TV is reportedly ready to transmit live coverage of the disaster, but is still awaiting official approval to do so.An indication of how difficult it is for local people in Tianjin to get up-to-date information on what’s happening in their city (and the difficulty for reporters in finding and communicating that information) – my colleague Fergus Ryan says local Tianjin TV is reportedly ready to transmit live coverage of the disaster, but is still awaiting official approval to do so.
In the meantime:In the meantime:
Animation currently on #Tianjin TV after the explosion (via Wechat) pic.twitter.com/28TilnH4OtAnimation currently on #Tianjin TV after the explosion (via Wechat) pic.twitter.com/28TilnH4Ot
12.28pm AEST03:2812.28pm AEST03:28
Nine firefighters killed – local reportsNine firefighters killed – local reports
Local media now says nine firefighters have died; 36 remain missing.Local media now says nine firefighters have died; 36 remain missing.
12.18pm AEST03:1812.18pm AEST03:18
The extraordinary video and images emerging of the moment of the blasts demonstrate the force and reach of the explosions:The extraordinary video and images emerging of the moment of the blasts demonstrate the force and reach of the explosions:
Video: #Explosions rock China's #Tianjin, 17 killed,over 400 wounded. Cause unclear pic.twitter.com/9vIFVpEQTwVideo: #Explosions rock China's #Tianjin, 17 killed,over 400 wounded. Cause unclear pic.twitter.com/9vIFVpEQTw
We have rounded up some of the most striking social media testimony from people in Tianjin here:We have rounded up some of the most striking social media testimony from people in Tianjin here:
Related: Tianjin explosion: social media reactions to China blastsRelated: Tianjin explosion: social media reactions to China blasts
Updated at 12.20pm AESTUpdated at 12.20pm AEST
12.13pm AEST03:1312.13pm AEST03:13
The BBC reports that around 100 fire trucks remain on the scene, as firefighters battle to bring blazes under control.The BBC reports that around 100 fire trucks remain on the scene, as firefighters battle to bring blazes under control.
We know that authorities have lost contact with 36 of the firefighters and six have died.We know that authorities have lost contact with 36 of the firefighters and six have died.
Though we still do not know – and it might be some time before we do have more information on this – the precise cause of the blasts, authorities have confirmed that “explosives” were being handled at the warehouse.Though we still do not know – and it might be some time before we do have more information on this – the precise cause of the blasts, authorities have confirmed that “explosives” were being handled at the warehouse.
12.09pm AEST03:0912.09pm AEST03:09
My colleague Fergus Ryan is on the way to Tianjin. With hundreds of people injured in the blasts, he says, many residents of the city have offered to donate blood:My colleague Fergus Ryan is on the way to Tianjin. With hundreds of people injured in the blasts, he says, many residents of the city have offered to donate blood:
People lining up to donate blood on Nanjing Rd Tianjin. (Via Weibo) pic.twitter.com/by3iC8Yh01People lining up to donate blood on Nanjing Rd Tianjin. (Via Weibo) pic.twitter.com/by3iC8Yh01
11.59am AEST02:5911.59am AEST02:59
Reuters reports that authorities say they have lost contact with 36 firefighters at the scene of the two massive explosions, citing the Beijing News and Tianjin fire officials.Reuters reports that authorities say they have lost contact with 36 firefighters at the scene of the two massive explosions, citing the Beijing News and Tianjin fire officials.
So far, 17 people are confirmed dead, including six firefighters, and at least 400 injured.So far, 17 people are confirmed dead, including six firefighters, and at least 400 injured.
11.52am AEST02:5211.52am AEST02:52
Fresh images from Tianjin in daylight are coming in, showing some of the scale of the devastation from the overnight blasts.Fresh images from Tianjin in daylight are coming in, showing some of the scale of the devastation from the overnight blasts.
Fires are still burning in the port city, having not yet been brought under control. Six firefighters have already been confirmed dead, with others reportedly unaccounted for:Fires are still burning in the port city, having not yet been brought under control. Six firefighters have already been confirmed dead, with others reportedly unaccounted for:
11.44am AEST02:4411.44am AEST02:44
The Chinese state-controlled news agency Xinhua reports that president Xi Jinping and premier Li Keqiang “have urged all-out efforts to save the injured and minimise casualties in the Tianjin blast”.The Chinese state-controlled news agency Xinhua reports that president Xi Jinping and premier Li Keqiang “have urged all-out efforts to save the injured and minimise casualties in the Tianjin blast”.
It says Xi has “ordered local authorities in Tianjin to spare no effort to treat the injured, search for the missing and contain the fire”.It says Xi has “ordered local authorities in Tianjin to spare no effort to treat the injured, search for the missing and contain the fire”.
A group led by public security minister Guo Shengkun will direct rescue operation and emergency response.A group led by public security minister Guo Shengkun will direct rescue operation and emergency response.
Xinhua reports:Xinhua reports:
Xi noted that the cause of the fire must be found out, family members of the victims should be taken good care of while public order should be maintained. Xi added search and rescue missions must be carried out in an appropriate way to guarantee the safety of the rescuers.Xi noted that the cause of the fire must be found out, family members of the victims should be taken good care of while public order should be maintained. Xi added search and rescue missions must be carried out in an appropriate way to guarantee the safety of the rescuers.
Xi also urged governments at all levels to draw a lesson from the accident, insist on the paramount interests of the people, carry out safety checks, enhance their management of dangerous chemicals, ensure production safety and protect the people’s lives and property.Xi also urged governments at all levels to draw a lesson from the accident, insist on the paramount interests of the people, carry out safety checks, enhance their management of dangerous chemicals, ensure production safety and protect the people’s lives and property.
Premier Li urged authorities to intensify search and rescue. He required that the injured should be treated properly to minimize death from injuries.Premier Li urged authorities to intensify search and rescue. He required that the injured should be treated properly to minimize death from injuries.
Li also vowed thorough investigation in the accident and ensure open and transparent information disclosure to the public.Li also vowed thorough investigation in the accident and ensure open and transparent information disclosure to the public.
China’s record on industrial disasters is poor: last year a blast in a factory killed around 70 people; in 2013, 119 people died in another factory explosion.China’s record on industrial disasters is poor: last year a blast in a factory killed around 70 people; in 2013, 119 people died in another factory explosion.
11.36am AEST02:3611.36am AEST02:36
Surprisingly – given the scale of the devastation – officials are insisting that the port of Tianjin is operating as normal, Reuters reports:Surprisingly – given the scale of the devastation – officials are insisting that the port of Tianjin is operating as normal, Reuters reports:
The northeastern Chinese port of Tianjin is operating as normal after two massive explosions ripped through an industrial area nearby overnight, a port official said on Thursday.The northeastern Chinese port of Tianjin is operating as normal after two massive explosions ripped through an industrial area nearby overnight, a port official said on Thursday.
“[The port is] operating as normal. We have not been affected,” said an executive, who identified himself as the duty officer at Tianjin Port (Group) and gave his surname as Wei.“[The port is] operating as normal. We have not been affected,” said an executive, who identified himself as the duty officer at Tianjin Port (Group) and gave his surname as Wei.
Tianjin is one of the world’s busiest container ports.Tianjin is one of the world’s busiest container ports.
We will look into this.We will look into this.
11.26am AEST02:2611.26am AEST02:26
Six firefighters confirmed deadSix firefighters confirmed dead
My colleague Fergus Ryan sends this en route to Tianjin: six firefighters attending the scene of the blasts are now known to have been killed.My colleague Fergus Ryan sends this en route to Tianjin: six firefighters attending the scene of the blasts are now known to have been killed.
Tianjin rescue operation ongoing, 6 firefighters confirmed dead, many ppl still missing. 天津爆炸至少6名消防员遇难 中国新闻网 http://t.co/AzXIiHiVopTianjin rescue operation ongoing, 6 firefighters confirmed dead, many ppl still missing. 天津爆炸至少6名消防员遇难 中国新闻网 http://t.co/AzXIiHiVop
Updated at 11.26am AESTUpdated at 11.26am AEST
11.20am AEST02:2011.20am AEST02:20
Officials say at least 17 deadOfficials say at least 17 dead
The latest death toll, according to government officials and state media, stands at 17 – although that number is expected to rise.The latest death toll, according to government officials and state media, stands at 17 – although that number is expected to rise.
It is 9.15am in Tianjin – the explosions took place around midnight – and with part of the city reduced to rubble, the search and rescue effort is still in its early stages.It is 9.15am in Tianjin – the explosions took place around midnight – and with part of the city reduced to rubble, the search and rescue effort is still in its early stages.
Reports say that several hundred people are being treated in hospitals for their injuries, with 32 so far confirmed to be in a serious condition. This number, too, can be expected to change as we receive more information.Reports say that several hundred people are being treated in hospitals for their injuries, with 32 so far confirmed to be in a serious condition. This number, too, can be expected to change as we receive more information.
Updated at 11.25am AESTUpdated at 11.25am AEST
11.16am AEST02:1611.16am AEST02:16
My colleague Fergus Ryan is travelling to Tianjin, the site of the explosions.My colleague Fergus Ryan is travelling to Tianjin, the site of the explosions.
Some media reports describe the scene as like the end of the world. 【天津危化品爆炸 300米外上千辆汽车被烧仅剩框架】http://t.co/mKVUyoEZDA pic.twitter.com/FIZhtRDNAuSome media reports describe the scene as like the end of the world. 【天津危化品爆炸 300米外上千辆汽车被烧仅剩框架】http://t.co/mKVUyoEZDA pic.twitter.com/FIZhtRDNAu
There are reports of car tyres melted into the ground by the heat of the blasts, scorched buildings and areas reduced to rubble.There are reports of car tyres melted into the ground by the heat of the blasts, scorched buildings and areas reduced to rubble.
11.11am AEST02:1111.11am AEST02:11
This map shows the location of the blast, in the Binhai area of Tianjin, on the cusp of Bohai bay.This map shows the location of the blast, in the Binhai area of Tianjin, on the cusp of Bohai bay.
Tianjin is China’s fourth largest city by population, which the BBC puts at around 15 million. It is around 113km (70 miles) from Beijing.Tianjin is China’s fourth largest city by population, which the BBC puts at around 15 million. It is around 113km (70 miles) from Beijing.
11.00am AEST02:0011.00am AEST02:00
The blasts are believed to have originated from a special warehouse in the industrial port, designated for storing dangerous materials.The blasts are believed to have originated from a special warehouse in the industrial port, designated for storing dangerous materials.
We don’t yet know what these materials were, although Tianjin is a major base for petrochemicals, refining and other industrials.We don’t yet know what these materials were, although Tianjin is a major base for petrochemicals, refining and other industrials.
The industrial area of Tianjin is crammed with warehouses and containers, although there are residential buildings just a few hundred metres away – and the blasts were felt much further away still, rocking homes across the city.The industrial area of Tianjin is crammed with warehouses and containers, although there are residential buildings just a few hundred metres away – and the blasts were felt much further away still, rocking homes across the city.
As my colleague Emma Graham-Harrison reports:As my colleague Emma Graham-Harrison reports:
The biggest blasts, which took place within 30 seconds, were so strong that they registered at a nearby earthquake monitoring centre.The biggest blasts, which took place within 30 seconds, were so strong that they registered at a nearby earthquake monitoring centre.
The first blast was equal in strength to the detonation of three tons of TNT, while the second was the equivalent of 21 tons of the explosive, said the China Earthquake Networks Centre.The first blast was equal in strength to the detonation of three tons of TNT, while the second was the equivalent of 21 tons of the explosive, said the China Earthquake Networks Centre.
10.46am AEST01:4610.46am AEST01:46
Opening summaryOpening summary
Claire PhippsClaire Phipps
A series of devastating blasts in the city of Tianjin in northern China – the gateway port to Beijing – has sent a fireball hundreds of metres into the air.A series of devastating blasts in the city of Tianjin in northern China – the gateway port to Beijing – has sent a fireball hundreds of metres into the air.
Latest reports say hundreds of people have been injured and at least 17 killed, although that total is expected to rise.Latest reports say hundreds of people have been injured and at least 17 killed, although that total is expected to rise.
A shipment of “dangerous goods” in a warehouse went up in flames shortly before midnight local time (1600 GMT, 2am AEST), state media reported, causing explosions so strong that they shook homes on the other side of the city and sent flaming debris arching over nearby high-rise buildings.A shipment of “dangerous goods” in a warehouse went up in flames shortly before midnight local time (1600 GMT, 2am AEST), state media reported, causing explosions so strong that they shook homes on the other side of the city and sent flaming debris arching over nearby high-rise buildings.
As China wakes up to news of the blasts, this live blog will have the latest updates as more information comes through.As China wakes up to news of the blasts, this live blog will have the latest updates as more information comes through.
My colleague Fergus Ryan is on his way to Tianjin and you can follow updates from him @fryan.My colleague Fergus Ryan is on his way to Tianjin and you can follow updates from him @fryan.
I will also post key updates @Claire_Phipps.I will also post key updates @Claire_Phipps.
Catch up with our latest report here:Catch up with our latest report here:
Related: Explosions in Chinese city of Tianjin kill at least 17 and injure hundredsRelated: Explosions in Chinese city of Tianjin kill at least 17 and injure hundreds