A massive explosion shook the northern Chinese city of Tianjin late Wednesday, startling residents and injuring more than 50 people, according to state media.
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A hospital told People’s Daily, China they have already received 300 to 400 patients with injuries. It says the explosions shattered windows and knocked off doors of buildings in the area.
Fireballs from the initial explosion caused further blasts in premises close by, the state-run Xinhua news agency said.
According to the The National natural disaster Bureau, there were two major blasts in the incident – one equivalent to 3 tons of TNT, another with the equivalent of 21 tons. Other photos on state media outlets showed a sea of fire that painted the night sky bright orange, with tall plumes of smoke. The company was identified as Tianjin Dongjiang Port Rui Hai worldwide Logistics Co. Ltd.
CCTV reports that two explosions occurred at 30 second intervals and a hundred fire engines were sent to the scene. It says the firefighters were combing the neighbourhood for possible injured residents.
Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said nearby tower blocks were without power, the BBC reported.
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Tianjin, which lies about 140 kilometres (90 miles) southeast of Beijing, is one of China’s biggest cities, with a population of almost 15 million people according to 2013 figures.
