Beijing, Aug 13 (IANS): Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang have called for all-out efforts to save the injured and minimize casualties in the blasts in Tianjin city.

President Xi ordered authorities to spare no effort to treat the injured, search for the missing and contain the fire, Xinhua news agency reported.

Both the top leaders also commanded a work group led by Public Security Minister Guo Shengkun to direct rescue operation and emergency response.

The blasts, which occurred at a warehouse in the north China port city on Wednesday night, has killed 44 people and has left over 500 injured, according to rescuers.

Xi said the cause of the fire must be found out, family members of the victims should be taken good care of and public order should be maintained.

He added search and rescue missions must be carried out in an appropriate way to guarantee the safety of the rescuers.

Premier Li urged authorities to intensify search and rescue operations. He also vowed a thorough investigation in the accident and ensured that the information will be disclosed to public.