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Two buildings that were damaged by the Haut Du Mont explosion are to be removed, and a memorial on the site paying tribute to the 10 islanders who lost their lives is under consideration, it has been confirmed.
Announced today, the decision was made by the Political Oversight Group for the Major Incidents, a group of Ministers and politicians set up in December 2022 to lead decision-making around the Pier Road and L'Ecume II tragedies.
Following advice from the Recovery Coordination Group - civil servants responsible for coordinating the response to the twin tragedies - and Andium Homes, which looked after the flats, it has been decided that the buildings containing flats 22 to 26 and 33 to 36 will be removed.
Demolition has been recommended as the buildings are rapidly degrading, with falling material becoming prevalent, especially during high winds.
The Political Oversight Group has also recommended that the area occupied by these buildings, and the explosion site itself, should be considered for use as a memorial to the incident.
Bereaved families and displaced residents have been informed of the decision and they are continuing to receive support through States of Jersey Police Family Liaison Officers and the Support Hub.
The remaining blocks - flats 1 to 21 inclusive - will remain for the time being while the damage to them is fully assessed.
Pictured: The site of the explosion at Haut du Mont. (Jon Guegan)
Deputy Chief Minister and Chair of the Political Oversight Group for the Major Incidents, Deputy Kirsten Morel, said: “The immediate proposal is to seek removal of the three most damaged blocks and the associated materials.
“These blocks lost windows due to the explosion, and the roof structures have been deemed severely damaged. This has allowed water penetration over the last four months which has further damaged the interior of the structures. Internal degradation and collapse of ceilings now pose a threat to anyone entering the buildings.
“Ministers are seeking the most appropriate mechanism for granting the demolition of the buildings, and a further update will be provided in due course."
Video: The Pier Road explosion site recorded after it was cleared in March.
He added: “The decision has been taken with the highest sensitivity and with the best interests of bereaved families, displaced residents, and our island community."
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