The University of Glasgow sent messages of sympathy and support to colleagues at our Joint Graduate School partner, Nankai University following the two massive explosions in the Chinese city of Tianjin late on Wednesday evening.

Nankai is close to the scene of the disaster, although it's understood there were no direct casualties on campus.

The UofG statement read: "The University of Glasgow sends its deepest sympathies to its Joint Graduate School partner, Nankai University, following the explosion in Tianjin. We know the tragedy will have touched many lives in the city and its wider area and our thoughts are with staff and students at Nankai at this difficult time."

Military chemical experts have been testing for toxic gases in the Tianjin area and rescuers were warned to wear protective clothing.

At least 114 people died and 70 are still missing, mostly firefighters. Nearly 700 are still in hospital.

Twenty-one firefighters are reported to be among the dead and several more are missing. Fire crews were already at the site when the explosions took place, having been called out after reports of a container fire.

First published: 13 August 2015

<< August