The death toll from the explosion in Tianjin (China) has risen to 85.

(Baonghean) - The death toll as of the night of August 14 due to large explosions at a warehouse area in Tianjin City (China) on August 12 has reached 85, including 21 firefighters, the country's rescue agency said on August 15.

In addition, 721 others are being treated in hospitals, with 25 seriously injured and 33 others in critical condition.

Residents in the evacuation zone around the blast site were evacuated due to concerns about chemical contaminants in the air. Those taking refuge at the No. 2 Primary School of the Tianjin Development Zone were moved on the morning of August 15, after being warned of a change in wind direction.

Chemical agents also approached the central area of ​​the explosion site that morning to search for possible survivors.

Firefighters work at the scene of an explosion in Tianjin, northern China on August 15.

Experts investigating the massive explosions in Tianjin say there is a “possibility” of residual sodium cyanide (NaCN), a toxic inorganic compound.

Several measures have been taken to prevent secondary disasters, such as inviting businesses specializing in NaCN production to the site to assist, using hydrogen peroxide to reduce the amount of NaCN, sending a task force to identify and measure the area contaminated with NaCN, and preventing the spread of this toxic substance through wastewater. Some other toxic chemicals that are likely to be stored in this area include potassium nitrate and ammonium nitrate.

The warehouse is owned by Tianjin Dongjiang Port Rui Hai International Logistics Co. Ltd., which was established in 2011 and is a storage and distribution center for containers containing dangerous goods at Tianjin Port.

Thu Giang

(According to Xinhua)