As a result of an explosion that destroyed many apartments in Jersey, one person has killed and up to twelve people are missing.
Just before 4am, emergency personnel were dispatched to the Haut du Mont apartments in St. Helier in response to reports of a significant incident.
A search and rescue operation is already underway in an effort to locate anyone buried beneath the rubble, but the site is allegedly ‘very hazardous’ for first responders.
As two ‘walking wounded’ were brought to the hospital, the street was littered with debris and filled with billowing smoke plumes.
States of Jersey Police chief officer Robin Smith stated, “A number of residents are still missing following this morning’s explosion at Haut du Mont, Pier Road.”
The three-story structure has entirely fallen, he added, adding that the search and rescue mission will likely take a number of days.
“From a demolition standpoint, it resembles a pancake that has entirely collapsed… It constitutes significant devastation… I regret to report that that is a tragic scene.
It must be acknowledged that there could be additional fatalities.
Two ‘walking wounded’ were transported to the hospital while the roadway was littered with debris and billowing with smoke plumes.
The fire has been put out, but emergency personnel are still “carrying out major work” at the cordoned-off location.
Emergency personnel are now at the location and have initiated a surface search.
The fire has been out, but emergency personnel are still performing “major work” at the cordoned-off location.
The public has been instructed to avoid the area.
Locals have also been asked to avoid the emergency department of the hospital unless absolutely essential, so that the available resources can be used to treat casualties.
The cause of the explosion has not yet been determined, however Jersey’s gas supplier, Island Energy, has issued the following statement: ‘We are working with @JsyFire to determine exactly what happened.
Island Energy, Jersey’s gas supplier, has issued a statement stating, “We are working with @JerseyFire to determine exactly what happened.”
An explosion in Jersey has claimed the lives of one person and left up to 12 others unaccounted for.
“[We] will offer additional information when it becomes available. We request that islanders continue to adhere to the guidance provided by emergency services.”
It was also found that occupants of the building contacted the fire department last night to report a problem with the apartments.
Mr. Smith confirmed on Saturday morning that the fire department responded to the location the previous evening.
Now, the remaining people are being cared for at the St. Helier Town Hall, where they are provided with bedding, clothing, and any other necessities.
This is an evolving narrative. More to come
The fire has been put out, but emergency personnel are still “carrying out major work” at the cordoned-off location.
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