DHAKA: Eighty-five people are now known to have been killed in giant explosions in the Chinese port of Tianjin on Wednesday, local officials say.

At least 21 firefighters are among the dead, with another 721 people injured after the blasts at a warehouse storing hazardous materials, BBC reported.

The operators of the Tianjin site have been accused of "clearly violating" safety rules.

China has ordered a nationwide check on dangerous chemicals and explosives.

China's cabinet also ordered officials to "crack down unwaveringly on illegal activities to ensure safety".

Twenty-five of the injured are in critical condition and 33 are serious.

Some fires are still smouldering and chemical experts are testing for toxic gases.

The cause of the blast is still being investigated.

BDST: 1053 HRS, AUG 15, 2015
RS