Warehouse Explosion in China Kills More than 100 and Disrupts Port Activity

Explosions at a Chinese chemical warehouse near a major seaport have killed at least 112 and injured hundreds more, perhaps as many as 700, according to reports. According to CNN, the warehouse, Tianjin Dongjiang Port Rui Hai International Logistics Co., reportedly stores and transports dangerous chemicals. The warehouse is near the Port of Tianjin, one of the world’s busiest seaports. Company executives at the warehouse have been taken into custody.

An Associated Press report states that ships carrying oil and hazardous materials have been barred from the port. Also, vessels are not being allowed to enter the central port zone, which is near the blast site.

It’s believed but not confirmed that the explosions occurred when a shipment of explosives detonated. According to a Reuters report, more than 6,000 people in the area were evacuated. “Vast areas of the port—the 10th largest in the world—were devastated, crumpled shipping containers were thrown around like match sticks, hundreds of new cars were torched and port buildings left as burnt-out shells.”