MOSCOW (MRC) -- Huang Xingguo, mayor of Tianjin, China, has vowed to relocate chemical facilities located in the Binhai New Area near the site of the 12 Aug. fatal explosions at Ruihai International Logistics Co.’s warehouse, according to local press reports, reported GV.
The explosions occurred in a warehouse storing about 40 chemical substances, some of which are toxic, and resulted in at least 114 deaths, as well as the partial suspension of port operations.
"As the principal leader of Tianjin, I have inescapable responsibility for the incident," Huang acknowledged. He added that chemical plants would be relocated to the Nangang Industrial Zone about 25 kilometers from Binhai New Area, but gave no details on the plan.
Speaking at a news conference, Huang noted that all companies producing and storing chemicals are undergoing strict inspections and will be closed if any faults or violations are determined.
Zong Guoying, a senior official of Tianjin Binhai New Area, said Ruihai, one of three companies approved to store hazardous chemicals in Tianjin Port, acquired its license to operate in June. A final report by the State Council will determine if the location of the warehouse violated city planning and work safety laws.
As MRC wrote before, the Binhai district is home to the manufacturing sites of coatings producer COSCO Kansai Paint & Chemicals Co and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) maker Tianjin Dagu Chemical.
MRC