Tianjin Warehouse Explosion

Our hearts go out to the people of Tianjin in their time of great loss! We are saddened by the devastation that occurred on August 12, 2015.

USI partner, Fordpointer has a branch office in Tianjin. We are very happy to report that all are safe and no damage to report due to the area in which their office is located. However, this does not stop their heartbreak over this disastrous and seemingly senseless event.

Two blasts ripped through the industrial Binhai New Area in the port city of Tianjin, China, late on August 12, killing hundreds to date, including firefighters and sending shock waves as far as 20 kilometers away. At the time of the blast, many were reported injured and swathes of buildings, apartments, vehicles and other infrastructure were burned or destroyed. State media said a shipment of explosive materials had ignited at a warehouse at the Tianjin Dongjiang Port, which handles sodium cyanide and the toxic toluene diisocyanate, and triggered two explosions that occurred within seconds of each other.

The National Earthquake Bureau said the first blast’s strength was equivalent to 3 tonnes of TNT and the second was the equivalent of 21 tonnes.

Patrick Cheng, Director and General Manager of Fordpointer stated in the wake of the disaster, “Thanks for your kind concern and great heart to our people in Tianjin”.