Tianjin blast: Scenes of devastation in Chinese port city after scores killed by explosion
The blast registered as a seismic event
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.One of the largest and most densely-populated port cities in the world has been devastated by a series of huge explosions at a chemicals warehouse.
Tianjin residents described witnessing the effects of an “earthquake”, an “atomic bomb”, or a scene from a “Hollywood disaster movie”, after shockwaves from the largest blast damaged homes and vehicles for miles around.
At least 50 people have been killed by the explosion, and more than 700 injured. The two main blasts were so powerful they registered as seismic events with the US Geological Survey.
Images from the city showed scenes of apocalyptic devastation, with shipping containers scattered and destroyed, ranks of new cars torched and buildings left as hollow shells.
The cause of the blasts was unknown but industrial accidents are not uncommon in China following three decades of breakneck economic growth. A blast at an auto parts factory in eastern China killed 75 people a year ago when a room filled with metal dust exploded.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments