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The Bailiff has praised the “marvellous response” of islanders and the emergency services after a major explosion in the early hours of this morning on Pier Road left at least one person dead, and 12 missing.
The explosion occurred around 04:30 at Andium’s Haut du Mont flats.
One person is so far confirmed to have died and the Police Chief said in a press conference this morning that around 12 people are still missing. A major search and rescue effort is now underway, with fire officers coming in from Hampshire's force to help.
The Chief Minister said that the Covid Hotline has also been re-purposed so that islanders can request and offer support to those affected.
A support line is open for people requiring support & information about family members affected by the major incident. Please use these numbers and not police 612612. Thank you to everyone for offers of help so far. Andium Homes have provided accommodation to all those affected pic.twitter.com/yXciXgOx49
— Jersey Fire & Rescue (@JsyFire) December 10, 2022
Bailiff, Sir Timothy Le Cocq, said that, "like many islanders", he woke up to the "shocking news" of the explosion this morning.
"In fact, I did hear it and thought it was the beginning of a thunderstorm. I heard the explosion this morning and since then have been following the news carefully and wanted to come into the Town Hall."
He praised the efforts of first responders, and those offering support at the Town Hall - where around 50 people were initially taken, but many have since left - as "amazing."
"Everyone's been looked after in terms of medical attention if necessary, pastoral care if necessary, food, drink, clothing has been provided, and relocation has been sorted out.
"Andium homes I know is working incredibly hard to provide for the relocation. So, all in all, it's a marvellous response to obviously a tragic set of circumstances and we're still waiting to hear about the final people affected."
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