MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The death toll from two explosions in the northeast Chinese port city of Tianjin has climbed to 44 people, local media reported Thursday.
At least 520 people sustained injures, including 66 in critical condition, the Xinhua news agency reported.
The incident occurred just before midnight on Wednesday in an area where toxic chemicals were stored. The twin blasts were reportedly caused by by flammable goods at a container terminal.
Over 1,000 firefighters were sent to the scene, and search-and-rescue operations are currently underway.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping called for efforts to save the injured people, while Prime Minister Li Keqiang pledged to carry out a thorough investigation, according to local media.
