TIANJIN, CHINA – A massive explosion shook the northern Chinese city of Tianjin late Wednesday, killing 13 and injuring nearly 260 people, according to officials and state media.
The cause was not immediately clear.
The explosion erupted at a warehouse for a logistics company at a port area, according to Tianjin police. The company was identified as Tianjin Dongjiang Port Rui Hai International Logistics Co. Ltd.
The state-run Xinhua news agency reported the explosion tore through a warehouse storing “dangerous goods” in the Binhai New Area.
The initial blast triggered secondary explosions, setting off local tremors, according to Xinhua. Residents said the blast shattered windows and fish tanks.
The People’s Daily reported that 13 people had died, 11 were in critical condition and another 248 were hospitalized. Xinhua had reported earlier that most of the injuries were from stones or broken glass.
The firefighting division of the Chinese Public Security Ministry reported that firefighters were first called to the scene about a fire. The explosion happened after they arrived and damaged buildings and infrastructure. Four firefighters were injured and two more have lost contact, the ministry said.
The People’s Daily reported that seven people had been killed.
