Introduction

A major explosion rocked the New Binhai District in north China's Tianjin metropolis at
midnight on Aug. 12, and the cause of the accident and the casualties are still unknown. A fire
broke out in the area at around 22:50, causing the first explosion at 23:34:06 followed by a
second explosion after about 30 seconds. The blasts were equivalent to 24 tonnes of TNT.
Flames were seen rising in the sky. The blast also shattered windows and fish ponds, and the
injured, who suffered severe burns, were rushed to hospitals near the site of the blast. 44
people, including 12 firefighters. A total of 520 people were hospitalized, including 66
seriously injured. The fire was put out and the situation was brought under control by 1,000
firefighters and 2,000 fire engines. The executives of the warehouse have been detained.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang have called for all possible efforts to
control and extinguish the fire as soon as possible, save the injured, minimize the loss of life,
identify the cause of the explosion and punish Responsible for him badly.

Accident site