WATCH: Explosion site “highly unsafe” with “pockets of fire” as UK search teams arrive

One person is so far confirmed to have died, and at least two injured, but around 12 islanders are still unaccounted for, after the three-storey Haut du Mont flats in St. Helier collapsed.

The South West Hazardous Area Response Team landed in Jersey this afternoon to help with the rescue operation, and will soon be joined by an Urban Search and Rescue Team from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.

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

“They will be bringing specialist skills to assist with the site search,” Jersey’s Fire and Rescue Service said.

Home Affairs Minister Helen Miles said earlier today that it was part of a “mutual support arrangement” in place with Hampshire.

She also said additional paramedics would be coming to support, adding: “Evidently we have to maintain business as usual as well as our emergency response… I’m grateful to all the first responders, all the emergency services who are supporting at the scene today.”