A huge explosion has hit an industrial area in the Chinese city of Tianjin. The blast was so powerful it was felt kilometres away. It is believed that at least 50 people were injured.
According to Chine Central Television, the state broadcaster, the explosion occurred when a shipment of explosives blew up. This is reported to have happened at 11:30pm local time (5:30pm Irish time). It is not certain yet as to how many have been injured.
Pictures and videos of the explosion quickly spread on social media, such as Weibo, China’s answer to Twitter. Damage was caused to nearby buildings with the blast shattering windows in people’s homes. Many nearby tower blocks are left without power.
State news agency, Xinhua reported that the fire was ‘under control’ but that two firefighters were missing.