Firefighters inspect a warehouse ruined in the January 7 explosion in Icheon, a city 80 km southeast of Seoul.

The blast and ensuing blaze left 40 dead, including 12 Chinese citizens, and 10 others injured. Investigators have blamed the tragic incident on negligence and safety lapses.

China has urged the South Koreans to take appropriate measures including compensation for the Chinese victims. South Korean Foreign Minister Song Min Soon also pledged in a message to Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi that his government would take all measures needed to provide medical treatment for the injured and deal with problems arising from the explosion.

Below: Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Ning Fukui comforts the relatives of victims of the Icheon explosion during his on-site visit.