Deadly Blast Rocks Jersey Tower Block – Three Confirmed Dead
A horrific explosion has ripped through a three-storey tower block at Haut du Mont on Pier Road, St Helier, Jersey’s capital, killing at least three people. The blast struck at around 4 a.m. on Saturday, leaving behind utter devastation and a scene emergency crews described as “highly unsafe.”
Building “Completely Collapsed” Amid Pockets of Fire
Police arrived to find the building “completely collapsed,” saying it no longer resembled a structure. Initial reports say one person died at the scene, with two “walking wounded” rushed to hospital.
Hours after the blast, firefighters were still battling “pockets of fire.” The site remains perilous, with authorities warning the danger is far from over.
Residents had reported smelling gas the night before and called the fire service around 8.30 p.m.
Search and Rescue to Continue for Days
At least a dozen people remain missing after the explosion. Robin Smith, Chief Officer of the States of Jersey Police, described the scene as “complete devastation” but assured the public that a “coordinated effort” is underway to find survivors.
“This isn’t going to end today,” warned Mr Smith. “The incident will last days, if not weeks. It’s critical that we have the resilience to keep going.”
Specially trained officers have been deployed to Jersey Town Hall to support affected families as search and rescue efforts continue “slow and methodical,” according to Chief Fire Officer Paul Brown.
Heartfelt Condolences and Praise for Emergency Services
Chief Minister Kristina Moore called the tragedy “unimaginable” and extended prayers to the bereaved and those displaced.
“The last 12 hours have shown me the resilience, skill, and dedication of our emergency services and our entire community,” she said. “My sincere gratitude goes to the crews who worked tirelessly all night.”
The investigation into what caused the “very, very significant explosion” is ongoing, with police describing the entire site as “highly unsafe.”
