The death toll from massive warehouse explosions in north China's Tianjin city rose to 50 Thursday evening, 17 of whom were firemen, local authorities said.

Meanwhile, 701 others were admitted to hospitals, and of them, more than 70 are in critical condition, the city's publicity department said.

A mess can be seen at the blasts site, with buildings badly damaged by explosion shock wave and numerous vehicles and containers out of shape.

There is thick smoke in the area and there are concerns that it may contain poisonous substance. A team of 217 military specialists in nuclear and biochemical materials has already arrived there later on Wednesday. (Eastday/ Jiang Wenran)