Rush to clear chemicals before rains fall at blast scene
TIANJIN: Chinese soldiers and rescue workers in gas masks and hazard suits searched for toxic materials in China’s port of Tianjin yesterday as Premier Li Keqiang arrived to offer condolences, days after explosions flattened part of a national development zone.
The goal is to clear the chemicals before any rain falls, which could create further toxic gas.
The death toll rose to 112 from Wednesday’s disaster, which sent massive yellow and orange fireballs into the sky, hurled burning debris on to a vast industrial area, crumpled cars and shipping containers, burnt out buildings and shattered apartment windows.
The number of missing rose to 95, most of them firefighters, local media said, suggesting the toll would rise significantly. More than 720 people remained in hospital.
Officials acknowledged the presence of toxins, but said they posed no risk to people outside a 2km evacuation zone surrounding the blast area.
“I can responsibly say that there will be no secondary damage to the people,” Shi Luze, chief of staff of the People’s Liberation Army’s Beijing Military Region, told reporters, referring to people outside the zone. He confirmed the presence of more than 100 tons of deadly sodium cyanide, stored at two separate sites.
He said workers were trying to clear the area of chemicals before possible rain showers, which could create toxic gas.
Fire crews were criticised for using water to douse flames in the initial fire, which may have contributed to the blasts, given the volatile nature of the chemicals involved.
Industrial accidents are not uncommon in China following three decades of fast growth.
A blast at an auto parts factory killed 75 people a year ago.