The explosions in Tianjin, China, over the weekend that wiped out thousands of vehicles stored nearby are now wiping out thousands of vehicles yet to be built for Toyota, which has a plant in the area.
The facility, which it operates with partner FAW, remains closed as an evacuation order for the area remains in effect until Aug. 19. Chinese authorities are working to clean up the remnants of the blasts, including detoxification efforts due to the chemicals involved.
The explosions happened at plant owned by Tianjin Dongjiang Port Rui Hai International Logistics Co. Ltd., which has a history of violating rules related to international shipping, according to reports. The blasts killed 114 people and injured 700 more. More than 70 people are still missing, according to Bloomberg.
The warehouse allegedly contained large quantities of sodium cyanide, necessitating the arrival of more than 200 toxic waste specialists.
Toyota officials are attempting to assess the damage. Right now, it appears much of it is limited to broken windows, but the company is still poring over the buildings to ensure the safety of returning workers.
In addition to the plant, two dealerships and a research and engineering center sustained damage in the explosions. Fifty workers were also injured in the blasts.
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The plant is one of two that Toyota runs in China and is responsible for half of its annual production there. The three lines produce more than 440,000 vehicles there. Toyota said the said the evacuation order will cost them more than 5,000 units of production.
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Toyota produces the Corolla, the Vios sedan and other models with a workforce of 12,000 in Tianjin. The shutdown resulted in the closure of another plant about 45 miles away because uses parts made at the Tianjin facility.
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About 4,000 Hyundai-Kia vehicles, 2,750 Volkswagens, 1,500 Renaults and 600 Mitsubishis stored near the port were destroyed, according to multiple reports. Toyota hasn’t been able to determine the exact number of vehicles damaged.
