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A decision is expected "soon" on whether to prosecute anyone in relation to the explosion that collapsed Haut du Mont flats and killed 10 islanders almost exactly two years ago.
A joint statement from the States of Jersey Police, the Health and Safety Inspectorate, and the Law Officers' Department was shared this afternoon ahead of the second anniversary of the Haut du Mont explosion.
It said that evidence is currently being reviewed by the Attorney General, and "it is hoped that he will soon be in a position to provide legal advice and that decisions as to charge will follow thereafter".
Pictured: The explosion at Pier Road claimed the lives of ten islanders in December 2022.
Initial case files were completed and submitted to Jersey's Law Officers Department for consideration of charges at the start of October.
Earlier this year, Police Chief Robin Smith revealed that the force was “nearing the conclusion” of their investigation, and that the three suspects arrested last August on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter had been interviewed again. They have not been named.
The full statement released today said: “Although some enquires remain ongoing, the States of Jersey Police and the Health and Safety Inspectorate continue to work proactively with the Law Officers' Department.
“The evidence gathered to date by both investigating teams is being reviewed by the Attorney General and it is hoped that he will soon be in a position to provide legal advice and that decisions as to charge will follow thereafter.
“Our thoughts remain with the families of those who died and all those affected as a result of this incident.”
The incident on 10 December 2022 entirely collapsed the Andium Homes-run flats, and 10 islanders lost their lives.
A police investigation – dubbed Operation Spire – was launched, and has so far involved 2,024 lines of enquiry, 1,157 statements and 1,988 exhibits.
Earlier this year, it emerged that the Government had spent £11.6m on the response to the Haut du Mont explosion so far.
The nine residents who died in the incident on 10 December 2022 were 72-year-old Peter Bowler, Raymie Brown (71), Romeu and Louise De Almeida (67 and 64 years), Derek and Sylvia Ellis (61 and 73 years), Ken and Jane Ralph (72 and 71 years) and 63-year-old Billy Marsden.
Kathy McGinness (73), who lived in an adjacent block at 35 Haut du Mont, was injured as a result of the explosion and died at the General Hospital on Christmas Day.
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