One dead and up to a dozen still missing after explosion at Jersey St Helier flats

One person has died and up to dozen others are still missing after an explosion so strong it registered on earthquake monitors destroyed a block of flats in Jersey.

Emergency services were called to 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 first responders.

Debris was strewn across the street while smoke plumes billowed through the air, as two ‘walking wounded’ were rushed to hospital.

Jersey Consumer Council Chairman Carl Walker said the blast was so powerful it was picked up on the British Geological Survey’s earthquake monitors.

Jersey Police chief officer Robin Smith said: ‘Following the explosion this morning at Haut du Mont, Pier Road, a number of residents are still missing.’

He noted the search and rescue operation will likely take ‘a number of days’, and said the three-storey building had completely collapsed.

‘From a demolition point of view, it’s like a pancake that has dropped almost straight down… It is considerable destruction… It is a devastating scene, I regret to say.

Have you been affected by the explosion? Email brittany.chain@mailonline.com 

Debris was strewn across the street while smoke plumes billowed through the air, as two ‘walking wounded’ were rushed to hospital

The fire has now been extinguished, but emergency services are still ‘carrying out significant work’ at the scene, which is cordoned off

While he urged the public to avoid speculation, he said: ‘There needs to be a recognition that we could have more fatalities.’

When asked how many people were thought to be missing, he said: ‘Given the destruction of the building it is hard to properly assess the numbers.

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

A fire caused by the explosion has now been extinguished, but emergency services are still ‘carrying out significant work’ at the scene, which is cordoned off.

People have been asked to avoid the area.

Locals have also been urged to avoid the hospital’s emergency department unless absolutely necessary to ensure the resources can be adequately used to treat victims.

The explosion shattered windows in the immediate vicinity of the tragedy

It has not yet been established what caused the explosion, but Jersey’s gas supplier, Island Energy, has issued a statement, reading: ‘We are working with @JsyFire to understand exactly what has happened.

‘[We] will share more information once it is available. We ask that islanders continue to follow the advice given by emergency services at this time.’

The blip on the green line at about 4am shows the moment the explosion registered on local earthquake data

It was also revealed residents in the block called fire services last night to report an issue with the flats.

Mr Smith confirmed on Saturday morning the fire brigade had attended the scene earlier in the evening.

He said police would investigate ‘whether or not there was a safety issue’ regarding gas supplies.

Janice Byrne, who lives across the street from the flats, said she was ‘nearly thrown out of bed at 3.39am’ after the explosion.

‘I was in shock as I heard a massive bang and the building shook. I was able to look out on my balcony to see some houses in the distance on fire.’ 

Another resident told ITV he heard the same explosion and rushed out, thinking a car had hit the wall.

‘I’ve never heard an explosion like it… there was glass all over the road… It’s done a lot of damage where we live, all the neighbours have been out since 4am cleaning glass.

‘It’s a really bad thing to happen toward Christmas for everybody. My prayers go out to everybody.’  

The flats were owned by public housing company Andium Homes, which is owned by the Jersey government. 

Now, the remainder of the residents are being cared for at St Helier Town Hall, where they’re being provided bedding, clothing and anything else they may need.

Jersey’s gas supplier, Island Energy, has issued a statement, reading: ‘We are working with @JsyFire to understand exactly what has happened’

One person has died and up to 12 people are missing after an explosion destroyed several flats in Jersey

Jersey’s chief minister Kristina Moore said the area would be under investigation for ‘some days’ as she expressed condolences to families affected.

Speaking alongside Mr Smith at the conference, she 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.’

Ms Moore said she would keep islanders updated as investigations continue.

Jersey Police has set up a support line where concerned residents can request information about family members affected by the major incident. 

The public are urged to call 0800 735 5566 (Freeline) or 01534 445566, rather than police.

The fire has now been extinguished, but emergency services are still ‘carrying out significant work’ at the scene, which is cordoned off

Robin Smith (left), chief officer at States of Jersey Police and Chief minister of Jersey, Kristina Moore (right) held an emergency press conference to discuss the tragedy on Saturday morning

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