[Casualties]

Medical staff transport a person injured from the explosion of the Binhai New Area to a hospital affiliated with the college of armed police force in Tianjin, North China, Aug 13, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

As of 6:00 pm on Thursday, the death toll has risen to 44, including 12 firefighters, most of whom are post-90s. About 520 people have been admitted in hospital, among whom 66 are severely injured. At least 21 still missing.

Six firefighters killed on duty have been identified, and another 66 wounded have been hospitalized. 18 firefighters remain missing.

Doctors say most of the patients suffered burns, bruises, bone fractures and injuries related to shockwaves.