TIANJIN — Bowing to the photos of the deceased firefighters, Premier Li Keqiang on Aug 16 paid respects to those young men who lost their lives in two massive warehouse blasts in north China’s port city of Tianjin that have killed 112.

“They are all heroes and deserve the respect of the whole society,” said Li, while visiting a brigade of Tianjin fire department.

At least 21 firefighters have been killed after two huge explosions tore through a warehouse in Tianjin’s Binhai New Area late at night on Aug 12, and 85 other firefighters remain unaccounted for.

Premier Li said all the dead — whether official firefighters or contract counterparts — will enjoy the same posthumous honor and their families will be given the same compensation.

The Premier also visited the firefighters and soldiers who are still racing against the clock to search for the missing people at the blast site, praising their valor and contributions.