At least 44 people have been killed and as many as 400 injured in a series of explosions reported at a warehouse in Binhai New Area, in China's city of Tianjin. Rescue operations are underway in the affected area.
The explosions have resulted in power outages and multiple localised road closures. Yuejin Road, 9th Street and multiple roads between 4th and 8th streets remain closed. The Tianjin Metro line has suspended services as a number of stations were damaged by the blasts; emergency busses have been made available. Port facilities are said to be fully operational.
The explosions at the storage facility, which reportedly contained hazardous material, took place at 23:30 local time. The initial blast triggered secondary explosions, which set off local tremors; damages to buildings within a 2km radius of the explosions were reported. Initial reports indicated that toxic chemicals may have been released as a result of the blasts. According to risk advisers at Red24, officials have stated that air in the affected area is safe for inhalation.
The exact cause of the explosion remains unclear. Disruptions to travel are expected to persist during the ongoing rescue and clean-up operations.
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