Man from Oldham among nine dead after Jersey explosion

A man from Oldham has been named among those who lost their lives following a huge explosion at a block of flats in Jersey.

Peter Bowler, 72, was named along with eight other victims following the blast which ripped through the island’s capital, St Helier, at around 4am on Saturday.

Tributes have poured in for Mr Bowler, who is understood to have lived in one of the flats, and was originally from Oldham, ITV reports. He was known fondly by mainly people on the island as 'Oldham Pete.'

Speaking to ITV News, Peter's nephew Daniel Howarth, said he first found out about the explosion through the news.

Daniel, who lives in Saddleworth, said: "It was just overwhelming, sadness you’ll never see him again – and then, sort of morphed into that is a feeling I’ve got now of ‘what’s happened?’

"He enjoyed karaoke, he was a second dan karate black belt, and he represented Jersey at karate. He was fond of walking and the outdoors, and he climbed the Himalayas twice. He enjoyed going out, he enjoyed socialising and just being himself – a really well liked person."

Floral tributes near the scene of the explosion (Getty Images)

Raymond (Raymie) Brown, 71, Romeu and Louise De Almeida, 67 and 64, Derek and Sylvia Ellis, 61 and 73, and 63-year-old Billy Marsden were also named among the dead.

On Thursday (15 December) police confirmed a ninth body among the debris - with all missing residents now being accounted for.

Jersey’s Chief of Police Robin Smith said in a statement: "I can confirm that today, Thursday December 15, one further fatality has been confirmed at the Haut du Mont site on Pier Road.

"The number of islanders confirmed to have died in the blast is now nine. The families have been made aware of this announcement before the public and media and continue to be supported by our specially trained Family Liaison Officers."

Mr Smith said on Sunday that a gas leak was the "likely" cause of the blast but Jo Cox, chief officer at Island Energy, said the flats affected were not connected to the gas network.

Emergency personnel at the scene of the explosion (GOVERNMENT OF JERSEY HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

The island’s fire service has become the subject of an independent investigation after it emerged that officers were called out to the block of flats on Friday evening, just hours before the explosion.

Scores of tributes have been paid to the victims, including Mr Bowler, who has been described as 'one of the nicest blokes' and a 'true gentleman.'

One woman wrote on Facebook: "It’s with such sadness I hear of your passing Peter Bowler you were Oldham Pete to us and my dad's oldest friend. I will remember the funny stories you told of what you and dad got up to as kids, and now you will be able to meet up again for many more laughter. RIP."

One friend said: "Rip Oldham Pete one of the nicest blokes I have met onsite one of the victims of the gas explosion in Jersey.

Another said: "Oldham Pete, one of life's true gentleman. Our thoughts and prayers for you and all the the other families effected by this disaster. Rest in peace Pete."

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