Search for missing continues in Jersey flat explosion
Search and rescue operations are continuing in Jersey following a massive explosion at a block of flats.
Jersey police say at least five people have died and at least four remain missing. They added they do not expect to find anyone alive.
Jersey flat explosion
The explosion happened on Saturday at about 04:00 GMT in a three-story Haut du Mont residential block.
The recovery may take weeks to complete, authorities said.
It is believed there were nine known residents in the block but no details have been released as to visitors to the block.
A minute’s silence will be held at 11:00 on Monday and the Jersey government will fly flags at half-mast until Friday.
Chief of police Robin Smith said there had been a “meticulous and painstaking search of the debris following the explosion, to start carefully identifying bodies when and if we find them”.
At a press conference on Sunday, he said: “That will take time. We are not going to be here for days, we are likely to be here for weeks.”
Smell of gas reported
It has now been confirmed that the fire service had attended the flats just after 20:30 on Friday after the smell of gas had been reported.
None of the emergency leaders could confirm the cause, but Mr Smith said it’s likely it was down to a gas explosion.
Police said “around 40” people had been displaced because of the explosion – and the damage done to nearby buildings.
An appeal has been set up to provide support for those affected by the explosion and a maritime collision off the Jersey coast, in which three fishermen have gone missing.
The two tragedies have left islanders “immensely shocked and saddened” said chief minister Kristina Moore.
UK specialist teams have been drafted in to help with the response to the explosion.
