Jersey Blast: At Least Three Dead as Rescue Teams Race Into Action
A devastating explosion ripped through a three-story tower block in St Helier, Jersey, early Saturday, killing at least three people. Around a dozen are still missing after the building on Haut du Mont, Pier Road, completely collapsed.
Hampshire’s Elite USAR Team Flies In for Grim Search
Rescue efforts ramped up fast as teams from Hampshire, including the specialist Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) squad, were deployed. Some were airlifted by the UK Coastguard’s Lee on the Solent Rescue 175 helicopter, arriving on-site to join the frantic search.
- Hampshire’s USAR has 33 members, divided into three teams with search dogs and handlers.
- They carry five vehicles loaded with specialised rescue gear, ready to tackle any disaster.
- They also provide crucial Base of Operations support during international missions, ensuring deployed teams have essentials like food, water, tents, toilets, and showers.
- Recent UK-ISAR deployments include earthquake zones in Haiti, New Zealand, and tsunami-hit Japan.
Fire Lingers Amid ‘Utter Devastation’ in Jersey
Police confirmed the scene remains “highly unsafe” after “pockets of fire” were discovered hours after the blast. The explosion was described as “very, very significant” and left the tower block looking like rubble rather than a building.
St Helier police were called around 4 a.m., finding one person dead at the scene and two others with injuries. Though the fire was initially thought out, crews later found hidden flames that pose ongoing dangers.
Officials Warn Rescue Effort Will Take Days, Possibly Weeks
“This isn’t going to end today,” warned Robin Smith, Chief Officer of States of Jersey Police. “The search for missing people will continue all night and is expected to last days, if not weeks.”
Specially trained officers have set up support centres to assist those affected, with the rescue work described as “slow and methodical” by Chief Fire Officer Paul Brown. Authorities remain committed to a thorough search operation as the island reels from this tragic accident.
Community Leader Pays Tribute to Victims and Heroes
Chief Minister Kristina Moore called the explosion a “tragic accident,” offering condolences to families and praising the “resilience, skill, and dedication” of emergency personnel. She said the emergency teams worked through the night to manage the disaster and support victims.
Residents reported smelling gas near the site the night before, raising fears about what sparked the catastrophic blast.
The rescue operation includes help from the South West Hazardous Area Response Team, Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue, and Hampshire’s USAR, showing a full-scale response to this chilling tragedy.
