Three people have already been confirmed dead and at least 12 others are missing after a block of flats exploded in Jersey, with rescue teams working through the night
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Up to 15 people are feared dead after a suspected gas explosion saw a block of flats collapse – with temperatures plummeting overnight.
The emergency services are now treating the scene in St Helier, Jersey, as a “recovery operation” rather than search and rescue, police have confirmed.
Teams have worked through the night, with three people so far confirmed dead and a dozen more missing following the blast at around 4am yesterday.
Temperatures dropped to around 4C on the Channel Islands in the early hours of Sunday as an Arctic weather front continues to blanket the UK, bringing a fierce cold snap.
Chief Officer Robin Smith has since said this morning: “It is with sadness that I am confirming that the search-and-rescue operation had been moved to a recovery operation.
“The decision was made after a detailed assessment and following the use of specialist K9 units.
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“Disaster victim identification (DVI) strategies are in place and specialist officers are surveying the scene with fire and ambulance services and tactical advisers from urban search and rescue (USAR).”
He said yesterday that it was a “protracted incident” that could “go on for days, maybe weeks”, as he warned that people should be prepared for the possibility of “more fatalities”.
He added: “It is a scene of utter devastation. It has completely collapsed. The number one priority is working out if there’s anyone alive in that debris.”
Firefighters and specialist rescue teams, including a dog, were pictured at the scene on Saturday night.
The footage captured some of the devastation and debris behind the cordon – including piles of rubble, crushed cars and a blown out window in the neighbouring building.
The government said: “We’re on site coordinating a methodical and meticulous multi-agency search effort.
“This involves a number of stages, including vacating the site for short periods to allow dogs to enter, and the careful movement of debris.”
It added further updates will be provided on Sunday morning.
Residents reported a smell of gas on Friday night and fire crews attended the area to investigate, hours before the explosion.
Jersey Fire and Rescue Service’s chief fire officer, Paul Brown, said yesterday: “I can confirm the fire and rescue service did attend at 20.36 yesterday evening… I know that they did conduct an investigation but at the moment what I’m focused on is the emergency response.”
He added specialist rescue teams from areas like the Isle of Wight and Hampshire had been drafted in to help with the response.
He said: “The plan is that we will continue searching and we have no other plan at this stage.
“We are just continuing to search and most of our efforts at the moment are about organisation and logistics of securing the right support at the right time, and making sure that the right equipment arrives in the right sequence.”
“The area is being lit and teams will be working tonight, all night, and we will not stop for the time being,” he added.
Mr Brown also spoke about the caution they are taking, saying: “The primary challenge is the fact that we have a dangerous structure that has collapsed.”
“Anything that we do, or do in the wrong way, may then jeopardise the chance of survival of anyone who might be rescued,” he added.
Chief Minister Kristina Moore told the press conference that at least three people had died, describing the incident as an “unimaginable tragedy” for the Channel Island.
Meanwhile, States of Jersey Police chief officer Robin Smith said that around 12 people were missing, adding: “My hope, of course, is that the number is a lot less.”
The police chief said it was a “protracted incident” that could “go on for days, maybe weeks”.
He described said the scene in St Helier as one of “tragedy” and “complete devastation”.
Meanwhile, Mr Brown confirmed that firefighters had been called to the building at 8.36pm and had carried out investigations – just hours before the huge blast.
Andium Homes, a state-owned but independent company which rents out thousands of properties on the island, said it is focusing on supporting residents at the estate.
Gas supplier Island Energy said it was working with the fire service to “understand exactly what has happened”.
Residents of the flats have been moved to St Helier Town Hall, where they are being supported.
Source: The Mirror
