Haut Du Mont Flats Not Connected To Mains Gas

Monday, 12 December 2022 16:39

States-owned social housing provider Andium Homes has confirmed that flats at Haut Du Mont on Pier Road were not connected to the mains gas supply.

Five people are confirmed dead and four more are unaccounted for after the explosion on Saturday (10 December) at the three-story block of flats in St Helier.

Police have released the identities of seven victims of the tragedy as the recovery operation continues at the blast site.

The cause is being investigated.

The States of Jersey Fire and Rescue had been called out the evening before after residents reported a smell of gas.

Andium Homes says its Haut du Mont tenants are 'not consumers of gas'.

Chief Executive Ian Gallichan says it received no reports of leaks or smells of gas the day before the incident or at any other time.

He added: "Andium Homes has not been carrying out any significant maintenance works at Haut du Mont."

"We recognise that incidents like this affect a wider group of people and we have also been out visiting other Andium Homes residents in the immediate area to check that they are ok and to offer support and reassurance where necessary."

The majority of the 42 residents from neighbouring properties displaced by the explosion have been rehoused in temporary accommodation, with the remainder opting to stay with family and friends.

Earlier on Monday (12 December) Island Energy confirmed its engineers are conducting a safety-test of the island's gas network.

Jersey fell silent this morning to reflect on the two tragedies of the past week and those affected.