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1st LD Writethru: UN chief "deeply saddened" by deadly explosions in Tianjin, China

Xinhua, August 14, 2015 Adjust font size:

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon said Thursday that he was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and the injuries to scores of people as a result of deadly explosions in Tianjin, China.

Two huge blasts ripped through a hazardous chemical warehouse in Binhai New Area in north China's Tianjin Municipality at around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday local time, causing deaths, injuries and building damage for kilometers.

The death toll has risen to 50, of which 17 were firemen, according to local authorities. Meanwhile, 701 others were admitted to hospitals for injuries, more than 70 of them in critical condition.

"The Secretary-General extends his condolences to the families of the victims, including the fire fighters who made the ultimate sacrifice," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told a daily briefing here.

"He expresses his sympathies to the people and Government of China, and pays tribute to all involved in the emergency response, " Dujarric added.

A total of 3,500 residents have been relocated to 10 nearby schools after their homes suffered damages mainly due to the blast shockwave. Local authorities said the number may reach 6,000 by Thursday night local time.

About 1,000 medics in Binhai New District are treating the injured. Tianjin health authority said it had also organized 110 experts from nearly 30 hospitals citywide to lead the treatment and provide counseling for the injured.

The cause of the fire, which is believed to have triggered the explosions, is being investigated. Endite