Blast Devastates Haut du Mont Flats: Six Dead, Rescue Ongoing
An explosion ripped through the Haut du Mont flats on Pier Road just before 4 a.m. on 10 December, killing six people.
The victims have been named as Peter Bowler (72), Raymond ‘Raymie’ Brown (71), Romeu and Louise de Almeida (67 and 64), Derek and Sylvia Ellis (61 and 73), and Billy Marsden (62). Two other victims’ identities remain private at their families’ request.
Island Mourns as Rescue Efforts Continue
At 11 a.m. on Monday, 12 December, the whole island observed a minute of silence. Flags flew at half-mast, and condolence books opened at parish halls. While the search for survivors goes on, around 35 residents have been moved to temporary housing.
Robin Smith, Jersey’s Chief of Police, described the recovery as “meticulous and painstaking,” warning it will take “weeks, not days” to complete. A senior detective has been assigned to investigate the cause of the blast.
Gas Supply Ruled Out as Cause Amid Safety Checks
The housing provider confirmed the flats were not connected to the mains gas supply. Jersey’s gas company, Island Energy, said their network shows “no issues detected.”
Jo Cox, CEO of Island Energy, spoke outside the La Collette offices, saying safety tests were underway. “I join everyone in Jersey, along with my colleagues at Island Energy, in offering our prayers and thoughts to families who have lost loved ones during this tragic time,” she said.
Island Energy is helping emergency services and will launch its own investigation alongside official inquiries.
