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From offering clothing to toiletries, and even lasagnes...Jersey's community has rallied together to help islanders affected by this morning's major explosion on Pier Road, with more than 1,000 people already pledging their support in a dedicated Facebook group.
Set up just two hours ago by Emma Thomson, the 'Support for the Pier Road Residents' aims to provide a "central point" for islanders to list items they have available to offer as donations to support those affected by the tragedy, which has left at least one person dead.
Explaining why she had set the group up, Emma said: "Whenever something awful happens people just want to help, the difficulty is in knowing how to do that in the best way. The last thing anyone wants to do is get in the way or divert important resources.
"By asking people to list what they have available, rather than dropping donations off, we are able to offer support but without taking up space and resources dealing with donations, which may or may not be needed."
She added: "We don't yet know much information about the situation but it is likely that the needs of those affected may change over time. Not only can they, or those helping them, then see if anything they need has been offered, they can also see just how many people wanted to help."
The group has been inundated with posts from islanders offering a huge range of support, from clothing and toiletries to accommodation and even freshly-made lasagnes.
Charities have also stepped up to offer their support, with Jersey Cares tweeting that gifts are available for those in need.
Our love and thoughts for those affected by the devastating explosion.
— Jersey Cares (@cares_jersey) December 10, 2022
We have gifts we can donate to families and would be pleased to do whatever else we can.
My Voice Jersey has also offered mental health support for those who may need urgent help.
Although the Hospital has now reopened, it is still on-standby for any patients relating to the incident.
The Emergency Department can now accept emergency attendances but the Government are asking people to only attend A&E if necessary.
If you need urgent mental health support today whilst A&E is closed, please don’t hesitate to contact the crisis assessment team on 01534 445290
— My Voice Jersey (@MyvoiceJersey) December 10, 2022
The out of hours GP can be contacted for any non-emergencies on 01534 445445.
Islanders are also being invited to come together this evening to light candles at the Town Church vigil.
The Bailiff, Sir Timothy Le Cocq, said the church would be open from 17:00 tonight for people to hold in their thoughts the families and first responders caught up in the tragedy.
Pictured: The Bailiff arriving at the Town Hall earlier today, and supplies being carried in.
Sir Timothy said: "I have spoken with the Dean of Jersey who has kindly offered to make the Town Church available and from this evening individuals may light candles for all who have been affected by this incident.
"I, along with others, will visit the Town Church this evening to take that opportunity and to hold in our thoughts the families and first responders who have taken part in or been affected by this incident."
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