Tianjin explosions: New footage from China shows both devastating blasts at terrifyingly close range
People filming thought the original fire could be at a petrol station before a series of explosions started, sending them running for cover
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.New footage has captured huge explosions that killed at least 50 people in the Chinese port city of Tianjin at terrifyingly close range.
It starts as a blaze at an industrial warehouse worsens and develops into a series of larger and larger blasts.
Speaking in English, the man and woman behind the camera suggest that the fire “might be at a gas station” before the explosions start.
Warning: Footage contains strong language
Within seconds, a deafening bang can be heard as a large explosion sends a huge fireball in the air and burning debris raining on nearby homes.
Those filming scream and shout in fright, with the woman asking: “Are we dangerous here?”
During a brief respite, they appear to believe the explosions are over before the second and more powerful blast blanks out the screen with white light.
It is followed seconds later by a shockwave that sends debris shooting towards the camera, knocking the man holding it backwards as a fiery mushroom cloud shoots up, filling the air with fireballs and smoke.
The footage ends as the people run from the window to find safety.
The two huge explosions, including one with the force of 21 tons of TNT, came just 30 seconds apart.
They were so large they could be seen from space and were registered by earthquake sensors.
At least 50 people were killed and 700 injured, and the search for survivors continues. Authorities said the toll could have been much higher if the disaster hit a more populated area.
“Forces from all sides are searching for the (remaining) missing firefighters,” said Zhou Tian, the head of Tianjin Fire Department.
“Many types of different materials with different characteristics are mixed together and could at any time result in a chemical reaction or explosion.”
A team from the International Atomic Energy Agency's Beijing environmental emergency response centre, as well as 214 Chinese military nuclear and biochemical materials specialists, are in Tianjin to investigate the cause of the blast and establish whether it has spread toxic gas in the city.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments