Huge explosions have caused panic in the northern Chinese city of Tianjin. At least 17 people have been killed and nearly 400 more have been injured. Two fire fighters have been reported missing.
The explosions began shortly before midnight and are believed to have begun in a shipment of explosives at a warehouse for dangerous materials.
The initial blasts then set off others at nearby businesses in the city’s industrial area. The blast wave from the explosion was felt several kilometres away. People saw huge flames light up the sky and dust was scattered high into the air.
The explosion reportedly occurred about 11.30pm at a petrol storage station at Tianjin’s Binhai New Development Zone. What actually set the explosion off has not yet been discovered.
Tianjin is a major port and industrial area to the south-east of the Chinese capital, Beijing
