tianjin explosion

Tianjin Explosion Site To Be Turned Into Commemorative Park

Death toll now stands at 160

While criminal charges have yet to be laid following the August 12 Tianjin explosions, local authorities are looking to transform the blast site into a commemorative park to honor those that died.

The proposed 24 hectare park will include a monument to the victims. It will also house new city kindergartens and some 5,000 new apartments for residents whose homes were damaged in the blast.

High traces of cyanide were discovered at the blast site last month, which officials maintain pose no health risk to Tianjin residents.

Twelve suspects have been detained in connection with the explosions, including 11 officials and port executives accused of dereliction of duty and abuse of power. No criminal charges have been laid.

Last month, the Communist Party fired the head of China’s work safety regulator for suspected corruption. Coincidentally, the regulator was the former deputy mayor of Tianjin. Despite firing the official, the Party has not accused him of any direct responsibility for the explosion.

A growing death toll from the Tianjin blasts currently puts the number of fatalities at 160.

Charles Liu

The Nanfang's Senior Editor