No reports of Singaporeans heavily injured in Tianjin blast: MFA

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said on Thursday that it has not received any reports of Singaporeans who have sustained heavy injuries from the recent blast in Tianjin, China.

Chinese media reported that 17 people died and more than 400 others were injured after explosives detonated in an industrial zone.

A MFA spokesman said: "Singapore's Embassy in Beijing activated its warden system in Tianjin to check on the safety of 79 registered Singaporeans near the incident area, including those working at the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City, which is located 16km away from the blast site."

MFA added that it has managed to contact almost all of the registered Singaporeans as of 10am on Thursday.

Besides expressing its deepest condolences to the victims' families and wishing the injured a full and speedy recovery, MFA said it will remain in close contact with the Tianjin authorities until all registered Singaporeans are accounted for. It will also render consular assistance to the affected Singaporeans.

Singaporeans in Tianjin may update their current whereabouts or seek consular assistance by contacting the Singapore Embassy in Beijing at +86-1391 0755 251 or singemb_bej@mfa.sg.

Alternatively, they may call the 24-hour MFA Duty Office at +65 6379 8800 / 8855 or email mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg.

minlee@sph.com.sg