11 government and port officials suspected of negligence

Tianjin blast: 11 government and port officials suspected of negligence

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The initial fire was reported to have started in a container at the port

China says 11 Tianjin government and port officials are suspected of negligence in connection to explosions that killed 139 people.

Many in Tianjin have expressed worry about pollution caused by the explosion

Police have also criminally detained 12 executives from Ruihai International Logistics, some of whom were already held by police.

The 12 August blasts, caused by hazardous materials stored in a Ruihai warehouse, devastated part of the port.

They also sparked concerns about the storage of dangerous chemicals.

In a statement released through Xinhua news agency, prosecutors said 11 government and port officials were accused of negligence in the storage and transportation of of dangerous chemicals.

At least three major residential communities were situated within 1km of the warehouse

The officials include the head of Tianjin's transportation commission Wu Dai, and the chief of Tianjin's port Zheng Qingyue.

Among those criminally detained by police are Ruihai's chairman Yu Xuewei and vice-chairman Dong Shexuan.

Authorities said they were suspected of illegal storage of dangerous materials.

origina post found herhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-34070601