New explosion rocks China

A series of explosions has once again been heard in China today. Warehouses in the port of the city of Tianjin were the source of the blasts.

Firefighters had been unable to extinguish the fire following the previous massive explosion for several days, but the flames intensified today, triggering new blasts. Thick plumes of smoke can be seen rising from the scene. According to preliminary reports, vehicles parked in the port car park are exploding.

An emergency evacuation of the population within a three-kilometre radius of the port is underway.

The number of fatalities resulting from the fire and the first explosion has exceeded 80, including 21 firefighters.