A massive explosion shook the northern Chinese city of Tianjin late Wednesday, startling residents and injuring more than 50 people, according to state media.
The cause was not immediately clear. It was not known whether anyone had been killed.
The explosion erupted at a container port where flammable material was being stored, reported CCTV, China’s state-owned broadcaster.
The state-run Xinhua news agency reported that a hospital had received more than 50 patients. The initial blast triggered secondary explosions, causing local tremors, Xinhua said. Residents said the blast shattered windows and fish tanks.
Firefighters were dispatched immediately, according to the Tianjin Public Security Bureau. The explosion occurred at a shipping container, the bureau said, citing a preliminary analysis.
The firefighting division of the Chinese Public Security Ministry reported that firefighters were first called to the scene about a fire. The explosion happened after they arrived and damaged buildings and infrastructure. Four firefighters were injured and two more have lost contact, the ministry said.