Beijing, Aug 27 (IANS): At least 12 people were detained in connection with the deadly warehouse explosions in China's Tianjin city that killed at least 139 people, officials said on Thursday.

The ministry of public security said the 12 include Yu Xuewei, chairman of Tianjin International Ruihai Logistics Co Ltd, and Zeng Fanqiang, an employee of a safety evaluation firm suspected of illegally helping Ruihai acquire safety evaluation papers, Xinhua news agency reported.

The ministry said the detainees were suspected of illegally storing dangerous materials, adding suspects Zhi Feng, general manager of Ruihai, and deputy manager Shang Qingsen were under residential surveillance.

Meanwhile, 11 officials and port executives were accused by Chinese authorities of neglecting management of dangerous chemicals, their storage and transportation at the Tianjin Port.

The officials under investigation include Wu Dai, head of Tianjin Municipal Transportation Commission, and Zheng Qingyue, president of Tianjin Port (Group) Co Ltd.

Another official, Wang Jinwen, a senior official with the transport ministry, is also being investigated for suspected abuse of power.

Two blasts ripped through a warehouse in Tianjin Port, where large amounts of toxic chemicals were stored, including around 700 tonnes of sodium cyanide, August 12.