The property, Haut du Mont on Pier Road in the capital of St. Helier, was deemed “very hazardous” by the police after “pockets of fire” were discovered hours after a “very, very substantial” explosion early Saturday morning.
At least three individuals have perished as a result of a “devastating” explosion at a Jersey apartment building with three stories.
At a press conference held after the explosion early on Saturday morning, the prime minister, Kristina Moore, verified the most recent figure.
After the “ferocious” explosion at Haut du Mont on Pier Road in the capital of the Channel Islands, St. Helier, it is believed that “about a dozen” individuals are missing.
The police characterized the sight as one of “destruction,” telling reporters that the tower block had “entirely fallen” and “doesn’t even resemble a building” following a “very, very massive explosion.”
At 4 a.m., the States of Jersey Police were dispatched to the scene, where one individual has pronounced deceased and two others, described as “walking wounded,” were transported to the hospital.
They have subsequently been released, with a third individual undergoing treatment for non-serious injuries, according to medical personnel.
Initial reports indicated that a fire caused by the explosion had been doused, with emergency personnel “carrying out major work” at the scene.
Saturday afternoon, however, authorities said that “pockets of fire” have been discovered and that the site remains “very hazardous.”
The South West Hazardous Area Response Team and a Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service urban search and rescue team have been deployed to help.
On Friday at 8:30 p.m., residents reported smelling gas and called the fire department.
The unknown is the cause of the blast
The reason for the explosion is unknown, and the top priority of rescue services is to locate anyone still alive in the rubble.
Robin Smith, chief of police for the States of Jersey, stated that there are “a variety of working ideas” but cautioned against speculation.
He stated that a senior investigator has been appointed to investigate the occurrence, which may be a “criminal or joint inquiry.”
When asked what could have caused such a “ferocious” explosion, Paul Brown, chief fire officer, replied that there are “many probable causes” but that it is premature to guess.
When asked if the explosion occurred near a gas main, he responded, “We have been in contact with utility providers throughout the day.”
This will not be completed today.
Mr. Smith described the scene as “destruction.”
He stated that “much progress” had been made as a result of a “coordinated effort” to address the disaster, with the search for missing individuals scheduled to continue into the night.
However, he cautioned that the occurrence would likely continue for “days, if not weeks.”
“We must have the fortitude to persevere,” he said during the press conference, adding, “This won’t end today.”
Mr. Smith stated that specially trained officers have been dispatched to the Jersey town hall to offer support to those affected by the tragedy. This help would continue “far beyond” the search and rescue phase.
‘Unimaginable calamity’
Ms. Moore referred to the situation as an “incomprehensible catastrophe.”
She addressed the conference, “As we all know, at 4:00 a.m. this morning, at least three islanders perished in an unspeakable tragedy on our island.”
The past twelve hours have proved to me the resiliency, expertise, and commitment of our emergency services and our entire community.
Ms. Moore expressed her condolences to those whose loved ones had perished, to those still awaiting news, and to those who were forced to flee their homes.
She also expressed “sincere gratitude” to rescue crews who worked diligently throughout the night and praised islanders’ “sensitivity.”
Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab tweeted that he was “deeply saddened” by the tragedy and praised the actions of the emergency services, adding, “We stand ready to assist in any manner possible.”
