Three dead after explosion at "highly unsafe" block of flats in Jersey

10 December 2022, 10:13 | Updated: 10 December 2022, 16:50

At least three people have died in an explosion at a block of flats in Jersey.

About a dozen others are yet to be found.

An explosion caused a fire which has been put out, but residents have been asked to stay away.

And progress in the rescue operation has been hampered as emergency workers keep finding "pockets of fire".

Up to 30 people were being cared for at St Helier town hall with Jersey's government asking people to avoid going to A&E unless it is "absolutely necessary".

Searches are under way at Haut du Mont in Pier Road, St Helier, with police chief Robin Smith saying the rescue effort could take days to complete.

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He described the scene as "devastating" and "very dangerous" for emergency services.

"We have a three-storey building that has completely collapsed - described from a demolition point of view as a pancake that has dropped almost straight down," he told reporters.

"There is also damage to a nearby building as well, another block of flats that the fire service needs to make safe. It is a pretty devastating scene, I regret to say."

Mr Smith said the "large explosion" took place at about 4am.

He added: "Given the destruction of the building it is hard to properly assess the numbers [of missing].

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"We are looking in the region of around a dozen, currently. That number could fluctuate, but that's the number we're operating to."

He did not want to speculate on whether the death toll could rise but admitted "there has to be a recognition that we could have more fatalities".

Fire crews in Jersey said: "As the search at Haut du Mont has progressed, pockets of fire have been discovered. The site remains highly unsafe.

"A South West hazardous area response team are on site and will be joined by an urban search and rescue team from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service."

Daniel Hunt, a 19-year-old data administrator, who lives across the bay, said: "My bedroom was shaken from the explosion with the windows rattling, which was all very unnerving," he said.

"I went outside to take a look... I could see what looked like police and firefighters shining torches through windows of surrounding buildings.

"I assume as they were evacuating the surrounding area. The building (was) up in flames with smoke pouring out of the windows.

"To have this happen so close and so early in the morning you don't know what to think."

The island's chief minister Kristina Moore said: "It's a huge shock to everyone this morning, but in the first instance our condolences go to the families who are affected and we're all thinking and praying for those who are worried about their loved ones.

"We all share in their concern."

A total of 21 police officers, 19 firefighters and nine paramedics deployed.