At least three killed as explosion demolishes flat block
‘The primary challenge is the fact that we have a very dangerous structure that has collapsed’
AT LEAST three people were killed when an explosion destroyed a block of flats in Jersey early yesterday.
About 12 people are missing and believed to be trapped in the rubble of the three-storey building in St Helier, which collapsed following the blast.
Emergency services yesterday vowed to work through the night in the hope of finding survivors.
Robin Smith, chief officer of States of Jersey Police, said the scene is one of “complete devastation”.
He said that emergency services will “continue to search throughout the night” with appropriate lighting and a team of urban search and rescue specialists and firefighters. “This is a protracted incident and this is going to go on for days, maybe weeks, and therefore it is important to have resources to continue to keep going,” he added.
Paul Brown, Jersey’s chief fire officer, said the situation is a “total collapse”, as he spoke about the search and rescue operation.
“The primary challenge is the fact that we have a dangerous structure that has collapsed,” he said.
“It is a very large pile of debris that is therefore ill-structured and not safe… Anything that we do, or do in the wrong way, may jeopardise the chance of survival of anyone who might be rescued.”
Search and rescue specialists from Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are supporting the local emergency services teams.
Mr Brown said it was too early to speculate on the cause of the incident at the Haut du Mont building on Pier Road. The police chief said officers would investigate whether there was a “safety issue” regarding gas supplies.
The building is managed by Andium Homes, a state-owned but independent company which rents thousands of properties on the island.
The company said it is focusing on supporting residents, who were moved to the local town hall.
Gas supplier Island Energy said it was working with the fire service. Meanwhile, residents have been urged to avoid using A&E except in a genuine emergency, and police have advised people to avoid the area of the blast, which has been cordoned off.
The fire service said that as the search progressed, pockets of fire had been discovered. “The site remains highly unsafe,” it added.
The Government of Jersey said the Parish Church of St Helier has set up a space for people to light candles for those affected by the incident.
Dominic Raab, the Deputy Prime Minister, said: “I’m deeply saddened by the incident in Jersey and my thoughts are with everyone affected.
“I commend the work of the emergency services responding and we stand ready to support in any way we can.”