Tianjin Disaster Throws Doubt on Zoning Near Site

(Beijing) – At least three residential buildings stood within one kilometer from the site of the deadly explosions in the port city of Tianjin, despite a national standard requiring protective zoning for the storage of hazardous materials.

The death toll from the massive explosions at the chemicals warehouse facility in Tianjin's Binhai New Area on August 12 rose to 56, including 21 firefighters, as investigators continue to search for the cause of the fiery blasts.