WASHINGTON — (CNN) A massive explosion shook the northern Chinese city of Tianjin late Wednesday, killing seven and injuring at least 180 people, according to state media.
The cause was not immediately clear.
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 the explosion tore through a warehouse storing “dangerous goods” in the Binhai New Area. It said that at least 180 people were injured, mostly from stones or broken glass. Some injuries were serious.
The initial blast triggered secondary explosions, triggering local tremors, according to Xinhua. Residents said the blast shattered windows and fish tanks.
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.
The People’s Daily reported that seven people had been killed.
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