Residents around the site of giant explosions in the Chinese port of Tianjin were evacuated over fears of toxic contamination, the official Xinhua news agency said Saturday, as the death toll rose to 85.
Armed police were carrying out the evacuation after highly poisonous sodium cyanide was found at the site, the Beijing News said, as the blaze intensified dramatically, with several blasts reportedly heard.
"Out of consideration for toxic substances spreading, the masses nearby have been asked to evacuate," Xinhua said.
Chinese police have for the first time confirmed deadly sodium cyanide at the site of two huge warehouse.