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Search In The Rubble For Survivors Of Blast

Police Chief Robin Smith and Chief Minister Deputy Kristina Moore at a press conference earlier

A major search operation is underway to find survivors of a blast a St Helier block of flats. One person is confirmed dead and up to a dozen are missing.

In a government press briefing just before 10am, States of Jersey Police Chief Robin Smith said the force received multiple 999 calls just before 4am reporting a major explosion on Pier Road.

The blast was captured on nearby CCTV.

"A large amount of emergency services responded to the scene where there was a fire that has since been extinguished by Jersey Fire and Rescue Service.

A number of flats have been evacuated.  Casualties, of which we have currently two walking wounded, who are currently at the hospital.

Tragically we have one confirmed fatality.  There are, of course, a number of people who are unaccounted for."

21 police officers, 9 paramedics and 19 firefighters were deployed.

Mr Smith described the scene as a very dangerous one, and said specialist help has been enlisted from Hampshire Fire and Rescue:

"We are using specialist resources to start to see if we can find anybody trapped in the rubble." 

He said the search and rescue operation was likely to take several days.

"We have a three story building that has completely collapsed, described from a demolition point of view as a pancake that has dropped straight down.

It is considerable destruction.  It is a pretty devastating scene, I regret to say."

Islanders are being asked not to go to A&E unless absolutely necessary, in case more people are found alive and need treatment.

The site of the explosion was visited on Friday evening after residents reporting smelling gas. Police Chief Robin Smith has confirmed the Fire Service did attend.

Jersey Gas has issued the following statement:

“We are co-operating fully with the emergency services following the serious incident in St Helier this morning. Our thoughts are with the residents of the area and anyone who has been affected.

We are working with Jersey Fire and Rescue to understand exactly what has happened and will share more information once it is available. We ask that islanders continue to follow the advice given by emergency services at this time.”

Several nearby properties have been damaged in the explosion.

Up to 30 people who have lost their home are being looked after at St Helier Town Hall. They are being supported by Police Family Liaison officers.

The Chief Minister Deputy Kristina Moore says she has spoken to Andium Homes, the social housing provider which owns Haut du Mont, and has been assured all the displaced tenants will be in temporary accommodation by this evening.

"I have been reassured that they will have a roof over their heads this evening.  The coordination is now going on to make sure they have everything they need in terms of bedding, clothing - because they left their homes this morning in a great rush."

An emergency phone line has been set up:

 

 

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