Fire broke out at 10:50 pm at the site of a logistics company, operating since 2011 in the Tianjin port sector with a floor area covering 46,000 m². At the time of the accident, the company had been storing on-site several types of hazardous substances: calcium carbide, toluene diisocyanate, ammonium nitrates, potassium and sodium, as well as 700 tonnes of sodium cyanide.

As fire-fighters were attacking the blaze with water, 2 explosions occurred around 11:30 pm. The first had the equivalent force of 3 tonnes of TNT, while the second was more powerful at 21 tonnes. A tremendous plume of smoke formed, followed by a massive fire. The resultant emergency response comprised several thousand fire-fighters, soldiers and police officers.

On 21st August, a full 9 days later, 4 new fire outbreaks occurred adjacent to the sites of the explosions.

Investigation Report (LEARN MORE): ARIA