Death Toll from Tianjin, China Explosions Rises to 85

The number of casualties from explosions that occurred in an industrial area in the port city of Tianjin, China, has reached 85. Meanwhile, the risk of spreading toxic chemical particles has forced the Chinese government to evacuate the area. Reuters reported on Saturday, August 15, citing the Chinese news agency Xinhua, that Chinese officials evacuated residents who had sought refuge in a nearby school due to a renewed fire at the explosion site from Wednesday night. Reuters writes that seven small explosions have occurred in the area so far on Saturday, and the new fire has engulfed remaining vehicles in a parking lot close to the explosion sites. In addition to the 85 deaths, the explosions have left 721 injured, with 33 of them in critical condition. Among the deceased, 21 are firefighters. The explosions took place in an industrial complex in northeastern China, where it is said that dangerous chemicals were stored. However, with the change in wind direction, concerns about the spread of toxic chemical particles in the area have increased. This concern has also been reflected in a statement from the National Health and Family Planning Commission, which advises residents to wear masks during the evacuation. Previously, Chinese police had confirmed the presence of deadly sodium cyanide at the explosion site, which has so far resulted in 85 deaths. Additionally, the Chinese government has sent about 200 specialists in chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons to the explosion site to assess the potential for chemical contamination in the area. The Beijing News reports that police have cordoned off a three-kilometer radius around the explosion site to prevent anyone from approaching. Meanwhile, Chinese officials have assured that there are no signs of cyanide found in the waters of Tianjin port. In this context, the Chinese government has ordered the evacuation of homes surrounding the burned industrial complex.