China blasts: 112 dead, 95 missing

Beijing, Aug 16:

The toll in the explosions at a warehouse in China’s port city of Tianjin has risen to 112 with 95 people, including 85 fire-fighters, still missing, authorities said on Sunday.

Ten more bodies were found on Saturday night after the announcement of 104 deaths, but four mutilated remains

were later confirmed as belonging to two victims, Xinhua news agency quoted Gong Jiansheng, vice head of the city’s publicity department, as saying.

Twenty four victims have been identified, Gong said.

The missing fire-fighters included 13 in active service and 72 working for the Tianjin Port Group Co., he added.

Wednesday’s blasts at the warehouse that stored hazardous chemicals were massive, triggering huge flames, shattering window panes and gutting over 2,500 cars at the site.

A total of 722 people remained hospitalized, including 58 in critical or serious conditions, the rescue headquarters said on Saturday night. (IANS)