Andium-run Haut du Mont flats in St. Helier collapsed after the blast, which was reported to have occurred shortly before 04:00 this morning.
At least three people are confirmed to have died, and up to a dozen remain missing.
UK Justice Secretary and Lord Chancellor Dominic Raab, who has political responsibility for the Channel Islands, tweeted at 16:26: “I’m deeply saddened by the incident in Jersey this morning and my thoughts are with everyone affected.
“I commend the work of the emergency services responding and we stand ready to support in any way we can.”
I’m deeply saddened by the incident in Jersey this morning and my thoughts are with everyone affected. I commend the work of the emergency services responding and we stand ready to support in any way we can.
— Dominic Raab (@DominicRaab) December 10, 2022
The South West Hazardous Area Response Team landed in Jersey this afternoon to help with the rescue operation, as well as five members of the Urban Search and Rescue Team from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.
More are expected to arrive in the island this evening, with searches due to continue overnight.
As the search at Haut du Mont has progressed, pockets of fire have been discovered. The site remains highly unsafe. A South West Hazardous Area Response Team are on site and will be joined by an Urban Search and Rescue Team from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service. pic.twitter.com/j85YnDiu0c
— Jersey Fire & Rescue (@JsyFire) December 10, 2022
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