A massive fire at a chemical warehouse in Jingjiang, Jiangsu Province, triggered by explosions on April 22, 2016, was extinguished after 16 hours, raising concerns among overseas chemical buyers about supply-chain risks and safety compliance in China's storage sector. The incident, which involved multiple storage tanks at Jiangsu Deqiao Warehousing Co., Ltd., underscores the need for importers to reassess logistics partners in the region.
Incident overview
On April 22, 2016, at approximately 9:40 a.m., a fire broke out at Jiangsu Deqiao Warehousing Co., Ltd. in the Xingang Industrial Park, Jingjiang City, Jiangsu Province. The blaze ignited multiple storage tanks, sending towering flames and thick black smoke into the air. Firefighting efforts involved around 400 personnel from nearby cities including Shanghai, Nanjing, Nantong, Suzhou, and Wuxi, according to Chinese public security authorities. The fire was fully extinguished by the morning of April 23, 2016, after 16 hours.
Company and regulatory context
Jiangsu Deqiao Warehousing Co., Ltd., which holds a permit for storing toxic chemicals, operates 42 storage tanks with a total capacity of 126,000 cubic meters, including fuel oil, diesel, gasoline, and chemical tanks. Its parent company, Hengyang Petrochemical Logistics, is listed in Singapore. Business registration data shows the firm is licensed for hazardous chemical warehousing and loading/unloading of chemical products.
Safety and casualty report
No casualties have been reported as of the latest updates from Xinhua News Agency. The incident drew comparisons to the 2015 Tianjin explosion that killed at least 165 people. Firefighters initially struggled to access the site due to the wide blast radius but eventually cut off a fuel pipeline to contain the blaze.
What buyers should watch
Overseas chemical buyers sourcing from or through Jiangsu should monitor safety audits and compliance records of warehousing and logistics providers in the region. The incident highlights potential disruptions to chemical storage and distribution networks, particularly for hazardous materials. Importers may want to verify the emergency response capabilities and insurance coverage of their supply-chain partners in China.
Source: Read the original report | Published: April 23, 2016