The death toll from an explosion at a block of flats in St Helier, Jersey, has risen to seven, the island’s police chief confirmed. At around 4am on Saturday morning the building was destroyed in a blast.
Seven people have now been confirmed dead, up from five, with two people still missing. Seven of those involved have been named as Peter Bowler, 72, Raymond (Raymie) Brown, 71, Romeu and Louise De Almeida, 67 and 64 years, Derek and Sylvia Ellis, 61 and 73 years, and 63-year-old Billy Marsden.
In a statement on Tuesday, Jersey Police chief Robin Smith said: “The families have been made aware of this announcement and are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers. The fatalities have not yet been formally identified. The Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) process must be carefully considered and managed in a dignified and compassionate way.
READ MORE:
“Therefore, we are not yet able to confirm if the fatalities that have been found at the site correspond to the seven identities released by the missing Islanders families yesterday afternoon. The identities of the other islanders will be released by their families, with the support of police, at a later date.
“My thoughts and those of all the emergency response continues to be with the victims and families affected by this tragic incident. May I ask that the privacy of the families continues to be respected.”
The Viscount’s Office has confirmed that inquests will only be opened once the DVI process has been fully completed.
Mr Smith said on Sunday that the “likely” cause was a gas leak – but Jo Cox, chief officer at Island Energy, said the flats affected were not connected to the gas network.
Andium Homes, which operates the 36 residences at Haut du Mont, which was built between 1987 and 1990, confirmed that no gas is used at the site and it had not received any reports of gas leaks or smell prior to the incident.
For more of today's top stories click here.
READ NEXT:
- Mum who swindled ill man and teacher out of £50k SPARED jail as her child is 'very ill with Strep A'
- 'Utterly reckless' swimmers caught on camera moments after swimming in freezing Salford Quays
- Medics to treat alcoholics in Manchester with ketamine
- 'School run parents block my driveway then abuse me in front of children when asked to move'
- Greater Manchester weather forecast for Tuesday as cold snap continues
