Government probe of Tianjin explosion finds 123 responsible for disaster

World Today

A new government report on the massive explosion in Tianjin port last year called the blast a ‘man-made disaster’. The results from the six-month probe have been made public and even more government officials could be held behind bars.

CCTV America’s Jim Spellman reports from Washington.

The Tianjin black killed 165 people, including 99 firefighters. Eight people are still missing.

According to the report from China’s State Council, the disaster began when fire broke out in a storage facility run by Ruihai International Logistics. Firefighters responded unaware that dangerous chemicals were illegally stored in the facility.

The report said Ruihai bribed local officials for approvals and permits and found 123 people responsible for the disaster. At least 49 have already been detained by authorities.