Tianjin Transport Authority senior official dies in office building fall

Dong Yongcun, head of administrative examination and approval department of Tianjin Transport Authority, died after falling from his office building yesterday amid ongoing investigations on the recent explosion in Tianjin Port.

Dong’s department approved the license for Ruihai International Logistics, who controlled the warehouse where the explosion started, to operate hazardous cargo. Dong previously served as head of water transport department and port department in Tianjin Transport Authority.

Police are investigating Dong’s death, and have not ruled out anything at this stage.

So far 11 senior officials from Tianjin Port Group and Tianjin Transport Authority have been detained for investigations.