At least 44 persons have been declared dead and more than 500 injured, following two major explosions in China's northern port city, Tianjin.
Tianjin police say the initial explosion which occurred late on Wednesday erupted at a warehouse owned by a logistics company in an industrial area of the port city.
The company which was identified as Tianjin Dongjiang Port Rui Hai International Logistics Co. Ltd. had been criticized by the Chinese media as to why a warehouse containing such dangerous chemicals should be sited near a main road, housing complexes and office blocks.
As stated by President Xi Jinping, as reported in Xinhua news agency media, promises have been made on the implementation of thorough investigation, stating that information regarding the exact details of the cause of the explosion would be disclosed to the public.
Premier Li Keqiang, has also called for all available help in order to save the injured and minimize casualties.
During the rescue exercise, buildings within a 2km radius (1.5 miles) were detected to have also been affected as windows were blown out, office blocks were destroyed and hundreds of cars burnt.
As stated by the China Earthquake Networks Centre, the magnitude of the first explosion was the equivalent of detonating three tonnes of TNT, while the second was the equivalent of 21 tonnes.
Among the places the explosion hit was a nearby dormitory for migrant workers.
As stated by Dan Agio, a resident of the dormitory, as soon as the explosion hit, ran for safety before the building eventually collapsed.
Among those affected by the explosion were 12 firefighters who have been declared dead and dozens more have remained unaccounted for in the aftermath of the blasts.
However, hspitals have been filled with people seeking treatment for injuries caused by flying glass and debris while those without injuries have responded to calls to donate blood.
State broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) reports that at least one person from Tianjin Dongjiang Port Rui Hai International Logistics Co. Ltd have been detained for questioning.
Tianjin is a major port and industrial area to the south-east of the Chinese capital, Beijing housing some 15 million people.