The two explosions, which occurred at a warehouse in the northern Chinese port city of Tianjin on Wednesday night, claimed the lives of at least 44 people and left more than 400 injured.

According to media reports, the explosions hit a warehouse storing “dangerous and chemical goods” in the port area of the city, the BBC informs.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang have called for “all-out efforts” to save the injured, minimise the casualties and contain the fire.

China Central Television (CCTV) claimed that a shipment of explosives had detonated, but this has not been confirmed yet.

The first explosion was followed by a second, more powerful one seconds later, with shockwaves felt several kilometres away.

Although the cause of the explosions has not been established yet, it is very likely that it concerns an industrial accident.

Further explosions were triggered nearby and hours after the blasts fires were still burning, with 100 fire engines on the site.

Twelve firefighters are reported to be among the victims.