Beijing, Aug 18 (IANS): The State Council has set up a team to investigate the cause of the August 12 explosions in Tianjin city of China.

A statement issued by the State Council on Tuesday said the team will "give a responsible answer" to the party and the people, and that those found to be responsible will be given serious punishment, reported Xinhua.

The team has already started investigations into regulations on management of dangerous chemicals and on workplace safety, though it did not say when it will announce any conclusions.

Headed by Executive Vice Minister of Public Security Yang Huanning, the team will "define the nature and gravity of the accident, and determine liability," according to the State Council statement.

The ministry of public security will oversee the investigation and officials from central governmental agencies and the Tianjin municipal government, as well as prosecutors from the Supreme People's Procuratorate, will also be involved.