One dead and up to a dozen still missing after explosion at Jersey St Helier flats
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One person has died and up to a dozen others are still missing after an explosion so strong it registered on earthquake monitors destroyed a Jersey housing block.
Emergency services were called to the Haut du Mont flats in St Helier just before 4am amid reports of a major incident.
A search and rescue operation is now underway in an attempt to find people trapped in the rubble, but the scene is reportedly “very dangerous” for rescuers.
Rubble was strewn across the street as plumes of smoke billowed through the air, as two ‘walking wounded’ were rushed to hospital.
Jersey Consumer Council chairman Carl Walker said the explosion was so powerful it was picked up by the British Geological Survey’s earthquake monitors.
Jersey Police Chief Robin Smith said: “After this morning’s explosion at Haut du Mont, Pier Road, a number of residents are still missing.”
He noted that the search and rescue operation would likely take “several days,” saying the three-story building had completely collapsed.
‘From a demolition point of view, it’s like a pancake that has fallen almost to the bottom… It’s considerable destruction… It’s a devastating scene, I’m sorry to say.
Has the explosion affected you? Email brittany.chain@mailonline.com
Rubble scattered across the street as plumes of smoke billowed through the air, while two ‘walking wounded’ were rushed to hospital.
The fire has already been extinguished, but the emergency services continue to “carry out important work” in the place, which is cordoned off.
While he urged the public to avoid speculation, he said: “There needs to be an acknowledgment that we could have more deaths.”
Asked how many people were thought to be missing, he said: “Given the destruction of the building, it’s hard to properly assess the numbers.”
‘We’re looking in the region of about a dozen, currently. That number could fluctuate, but that is the number we are trading at.
The fire caused by the explosion has already been extinguished, but the emergency services continue to “carry out important work” in the place, which is cordoned off.
People have been asked to avoid the area.
Locals have also been urged to avoid the hospital emergency department unless absolutely necessary to ensure resources can be used properly to treat victims.
The explosion shattered windows in the vicinity of the tragedy.
It has not yet been established what caused the explosion, but Jersey gas supplier Island Energy issued a statement saying: “We are working with @JsyFire to understand exactly what happened.”
‘[We] will share more information once it is available. We ask that the islanders continue to follow the advice given by the emergency services at this time.”
The tick on the green line around 4 am shows the time the explosion was recorded in the local earthquake data.
It was also revealed that residents in the block called the fire services last night to report a problem with the apartments.
Mr Smith confirmed on Saturday morning that the fire brigade had attended the scene earlier in the evening.
He said police would investigate “whether or not there was a security issue” regarding the gas supply.
Janice Byrne, who lives across the street from the apartments, said she “was almost thrown out of bed at 3:39 am” after the blast.
“I was in shock when I heard a big bang and the building shook. I was able to look out my balcony to see some burning houses in the distance.
Another resident told ITV that he heard the same explosion and ran outside, thinking a car had hit the wall.
‘I’ve never heard an explosion like that… there was glass all over the road… It’s done a lot of damage where we live, all the neighbors have been out since 4 am cleaning windows.
‘It’s a really bad thing to happen around Christmas for everyone. My prayers are with everyone.’
The flats were owned by public housing company Andium Homes, which is owned by the Jersey government.
Now the rest of the residents are being cared for at St Helier Town Hall, where they are provided with bedding, clothing and anything else they may need.
Jersey gas supplier Island Energy released a statement saying: “We are working with @JsyFire to understand exactly what happened.”
One person has died and up to 12 people are missing after an explosion that destroyed several apartments in Jersey
Jersey Chief Minister Kristina Moore said the area would be under investigation for “a few days” and expressed her condolences to the families affected.
Speaking alongside Mr Smith at the conference, he said: “This is a huge shock to everyone this morning, but first and foremost our condolences go out to the families affected and we are all thinking and praying for those who are concerned for their loved ones.
We all share your concern.
Moore said he would keep the islanders informed as investigations continue.
Jersey Police have set up a support line where concerned residents can request information about family members affected by the major incident.
The public is urged to call 0800 735 5566 (Freeline) or 01534 445566, rather than the police.
The fire has already been extinguished, but the emergency services continue to “carry out important work” in the place, which is cordoned off.
Jersey States Police Chief Officer Robin Smith (left) and Jersey Chief Minister Kristina Moore (right) held an emergency press conference to discuss the tragedy on Saturday morning.