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A recovery operation remains underway after the major explosion on Pier Road which left at least five people dead - follow for live updates.
Here's a timeline of what we know so far, which we'll keep updated:
There will be no change in the roads surrounding the incident on Pier Road today, with Pier Road, South Hill, and Fort Regent Road remaining closed to both pedestrian and vehicular access until "at least tonight", according to officials.
"Work is still underway to move the cordon and open these roads and an update will be given later this afternoon or this evening in relation to the access of these roads.
"Until that time, they cannot be accessed, and Islanders are advised to avoid the area to reduce the workload of the officers at the scene."
Pier Road Car Park, Fort Regent, and La Petite Ecole nursery will therefore remain closed all daytime today.
Following the Haut du Mont incident and the Vaccination Centre's decision to temporarily close at Fort Regent, outreach clinics and home visits will continue.
Anyone holding bookings for Fort Regent will have been contacted, alternatively they may attend the below clinics being offered at Les Quennevais Sports Centre:
Live updates for Monday 12 December
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Islanders still missing after Pier Road tragedy named | Bailiwick Express https://t.co/iNpsgDQvhb
— Bailiwick Express (@bailiwickxpress) December 12, 2022
A spokesperson for the States of Alderney said: "The President has asked that flags be flown at half mast until sunset on the 23rd of December, as a mark of respect for the people who have tragically lost their lives in Jersey this weekend."
Gas engineers conduct safety tests after flat blast kills at least five | Bailiwick Express https://t.co/jzFdfoB09H
— Bailiwick Express (@bailiwickxpress) December 12, 2022
In 15 minutes, this week’s States Meeting will begin.
— States Assembly - Jersey's elected parliament (@StatesAssembly) December 12, 2022
WATCH LIVE at 1:30pm here: https://t.co/AyFXH8tJ0U #StatesAssembly pic.twitter.com/9yeeQuGXJl
Islanders have been asked to carefully consider their travel arrangements as car parks near capacity due to the closure of Pier Road.
With the current and ongoing closure of Pier Rd car park, other car parks in town are busier than normal. At 11.15am, they were nearing capacity, with just 21 places left. Islanders are asked to carefully consider travel arrangements today; Your understanding is appreciated
— Jersey Gov Health & Community Services (@GovJsyHCS) December 12, 2022
Flowers and Tributes may be left on the steps of Ordnance Yard to the side of the Jersey Museum.
— Government of Jersey (@GovJersey) December 12, 2022
The location has been chosen for the proximity of the Haut du Mont incident site and the solitude it offers. Please note the site does not have vehicle access.#Jerseytogether pic.twitter.com/wjztxa1f2m
People across the island fell silent this morning in tribute to those whose lives were lost in the Pier Road explosion and maritime tragedy - Read more here.
The Vaccination Centre will remain closed this week and until advised further. During this time the team will be continuing with community and outreach visits. A member of our team will be in touch to rebook appointments. pic.twitter.com/jGtrYxCxlp
— Government of Jersey (@GovJersey) December 12, 2022
Islanders asked to leave flower tributes outside museum | Bailiwick Express https://t.co/tZW8J62p15
— Bailiwick Express (@bailiwickxpress) December 12, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the tragic events of last week, particularly those who have lost loved ones. The Chief Minister and the Bailiff will make statements on the incidents and a moment of silence will be held in the States Chamber this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/9Sv7isinK6
— States Assembly - Jersey's elected parliament (@StatesAssembly) December 12, 2022
Commercial Buildings and Mount Bingham have now reopened following this weekend's explosion which claimed the lives of at least five people.
However, Pier Road and South Hill, as well as Fort Regent, are all still closed to both pedestrians and vehicles.
Commercial Buildings and Mount Bingham have now been reopened to pedestrian and vehicular access. Pier Road and South Hill / Fort Regent remain closed to both pedestrian and vehicular access - we will provide further updates in relation to access at a later date. pic.twitter.com/7nA3dL55xl
— States of Jersey Police (@JerseyPolice) December 12, 2022
Live updates for Sunday 11 December
Fort Regent, La Petite Ecole Nursery, and Pier Road Car Park will remain closed tomorrow (Monday, 12 December).
— Government of Jersey (@GovJersey) December 11, 2022
Work is continuing in order to assess the situation and determine when it’s safe to re-open some of the surrounding roads. pic.twitter.com/EUvprUYe1I
Nine pages of coverage dedicated to the weekend's devastating events:
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Pier Road Tragedy: five now confirmed dead, four still missing | Bailiwick Express https://t.co/RjqproERzm
— Bailiwick Express (@bailiwickxpress) December 11, 2022
Reminded of the Simon and Garfunkel song ‘Bridge over troubled water’ as we head off to Le Marais to meet and listen to those displaced by the explosion on Pier road. Huge response from so many, ‘we’ll see you through’. pic.twitter.com/HJnDiiG4br
— David Warr (@WarrOnWords) December 11, 2022
A spokesperson for the Emergency Services said: "The police cordon around the Haut du Mont site will remain in place for the rest of today (Sunday, 11 December). Work is continuing in order to assess the situation and determine when it is safe to remove the outer cordon. For the time being Commercial Buildings, Pier Road and Fort Regent remain closed."
Pier Road explosion: Large cordon to remain in place today | Bailiwick Express https://t.co/RwadvegAkX
— Bailiwick Express (@bailiwickxpress) December 11, 2022
— St John Ambulance Jersey (@StJohnAmbJersey) December 11, 2022
WATCH: Police Chief says explosion “likely” caused by gas leak | Bailiwick Express https://t.co/poEAfhbKgq
— Bailiwick Express (@bailiwickxpress) December 11, 2022
APPEAL: Bailiff setting up fund to aid those affected by recent tragedies | Bailiwick Express https://t.co/qIjX7CsCg1
— Bailiwick Express (@bailiwickxpress) December 11, 2022
TIMELINE: How the response to the Pier Road tragedy unfolded | Bailiwick Express https://t.co/jBT1FiKwHy
— Bailiwick Express (@bailiwickxpress) December 11, 2022
An update from the Heads of Emergency Services. https://t.co/aYEb4yEpLH
— Government of Jersey (@GovJersey) December 11, 2022
Household Recycling and Green Waste: Due to current events public access to the La Collette area has been restricted and the Household Recycling and Green Waste sites have been closed for today Sunday 11th December.
— Government of Jersey (@GovJersey) December 11, 2022
The press conference will be live-streamed on Facebook and Twitter.
All the latest information will be shared on Express, so keep following for updates.
The support line is open today until 5pm for people requiring support and information about family members affected by the major incident. If you are concerned about an individual, your details will be taken and passed on to SOJP Family Liaison. Please call 0800 735 5566. pic.twitter.com/dWdLVQpAa0
— Government of Jersey (@GovJersey) December 11, 2022
Headway Jersey's Chair, former St. Peter Constable John Refault, said: "Headway Jersey will open its charity shop at 1200 today 11th December to enable survivors who have lost their homes and personal effects to come into the shop on the Junction of Burrard Street and Val Plaisant and collect whatever warm clothing that we have at no charge.
"The shop will close at 16:00 today and reopen tomorrow (Monday) all day and encourage donors with warm clothing that they wish to donate to assist in the needs of those now dispossessed.
"Any clothing donated to this cause that has not been taken will be offered to the Homeless of Jersey, Sanctuary Trust and Shelter Jersey for their winter warmth."
.@HeadwayJersey will open its charity shop at 38 New Street, St Helier at 1200 today 11th December to enable survivors who have lost their homes and personal effects to come into the shop and collect whatever warm clothing that we have at no charge. pic.twitter.com/CFtwkUvWmS
— Malcolm Ferey - Deputy of St Saviour (@MalcolmFerey) December 11, 2022
Thoughts to everyone back home in jersey ❤️ pic.twitter.com/JOtMN56W0U
— matt banahan (@mattbanahan1) December 11, 2022
WATCH: Search moves to “recovery” operation at explosion site as no signs of life found | Bailiwick Express https://t.co/MCabhclqfF
— Bailiwick Express (@bailiwickxpress) December 11, 2022
Appalling news from Jersey, where I was born. Three people have died and many others are still missing after a catastrophic blast demolishes a block of flats. My heart goes out to all affected ????https://t.co/HfBdmIZ4SH
— Sarah Pallett - MP for Ilam (@sarah4ilam) December 11, 2022
"Jersey Fire and Rescue Service are on site coordinating a methodical and meticulous multi agency search effort.
"This involves a number of stages, including vacating the site for short periods to allow dogs to enter, and the careful movement of debris," the Government said.
Images from the search crews on site tonight. A briefing will be given tomorrow morning with an update on their progress. Final details and timings of that briefing will be confirmed in the morning. pic.twitter.com/oydk8voYz8
— Government of Jersey (@GovJersey) December 10, 2022
The page was set up this evening by Richard Davy, with an aim of collecting £50,000 for those affected by the tragedy.
It’s been a terribly sad day today. It has been good to see how our emergency response has stepped up so quickly to help all those affected. Thank you all - my thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by today’s events.
— ElaineMillarJersey (@ElaineMillarJsy) December 10, 2022
Further equipment and USAR specialists arrive to support emergency services through the night. pic.twitter.com/LuDymb0JtR
— Government of Jersey (@GovJersey) December 10, 2022
Active officials said: "We hope to be open on Monday and will keep customers informed of any updates."
As the Emergency services continue their efforts in response to the incident on Pier Road, the Fort will remain closed until the area is safe.
— FortRegent (@FortRegent) December 10, 2022
We have been informed this evening that the exclusion zone is unliklely to be reduced tomorrow. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/8dp00tAquf
Teams of trained counsellors will be available from 08:00 to midnight to offer support via the Listening Lounge, and anyone needing help can call 866793 or click here.
Lucy Nicolaou, Head of LINC Services, LV Care said: "Our thoughts are with all those in our community who have been affected by the tragedies our island has faced this week.
"Our teams are on hand to ready to support anyone in need."
In response to the incident at Pier Rd today, the Listening Lounge @LLJersey has extended its opening hours from 8 am to midnight from Sun 11 December. You can call them on 01534 866793 for support. pic.twitter.com/MqXl3ABmzx
— Jersey Gov Health & Community Services (@GovJsyHCS) December 10, 2022
Local dog-walking business 'Miss Doolittle Jsy' has offered a free boarding service for anyone with pets who has been affected by the blast.
The business can be contacted on Facebook here.
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
At a press conference with the heads of the Emergency Services this afternoon, the Chief Minister confirmed at least three people were dead following the explosion.
Lighting rigs have been brought to the area and searches will be continuing overnight with the help of UK specialist search teams and sniffer dogs.
Police Chief Robin Smith said that there would be a fuller investigation into what happened and that a senior detective had already been "deployed to investigate".
A further update from the Chief Minister and the Heads of Emergency Services on the incident at Pier Road. https://t.co/uOVu6ak0VP
— Government of Jersey (@GovJersey) December 10, 2022
President of the States of Alderney, William Tate, has sent the following message to Jersey's Chief Minister: "No words can adequately describe the profound sense of shock and sadness felt by the people of Alderney upon hearing of the tragedy unfolding on your island.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of all those affected by this terrible explosion.
"Having already suffered the loss of members of your community this week at sea, we can only imagine the scale of the hurt felt by our Island cousins.
"Please accept our deepest condolences at this most painful time."
Responding to the explosion in Jersey today on behalf of the Channel Islands Humanists, Deputy Louise Doublet commented: "We are deeply saddened by the tragic explosion in St Helier, resulting in loss of life, multiple injuries, and many missing. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the victims and their families during this difficult time, and to the emergency responders who are dealing with very dangerous conditions as they try to save people's lives.
"In navigating dark times like these, we in the humanist community will be drawing deep from Jersey's strong tradition of volunteering and will be ready to mobilise our members to assist in the emergency response however we can.
"We recognise that tragedies of this kind will always have a profound and lasting impact on those affected. We urge everyone to come together in support of one another, and to provide comfort and assistance to those who are in need, including those who are still waiting for news of loved ones."
Guernsey's Dean has said the island's Christian faith community is praying for the people of Jersey in the wake of this morning's tragedy.
The Parish of St. Helier has confirmed the Town Hall has now closed.
Officials added that "accommodation is being provided for those who need it" and thanked "all who offered support throughout the day, the community response has been overwhelming."
A rough overlay of the property before the explosion. Hard to belive it's all gone. A fishing boat sank and now this. A tragic week for Jersey, thoughts with all pic.twitter.com/4SB5Xy1ysQ
— Matthew Hotton (@MatthewHotton) December 10, 2022
Following this morning’s incident on Pier Rd the Hospital has now fully re-opened but remains on major incident declared status and on standby for any patients relating to the incident. The Emergency Dept can accept emergency attendances but please only come to ED if you need to
— Jersey Gov Health & Community Services (@GovJsyHCS) December 10, 2022
The Hospital is open if you are visiting a patient this afternoon or this evening.
Jersey Bulls and the Jersey RFC paid silent tribute to the victims of both the gas explosion tragedy and the fishing boat collision earlier this week ahead of their matches today - Read more here.
Jersey and Horley gather to the observe a minute silence for the terrible tragedies that have occurred in Jersey this week. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those missing at sea and in the explosion this morning. pic.twitter.com/Xojti6pOLD
— JerseyBullsFC (@JerseyBullsFC) December 10, 2022
The Bailiff, Sir Timothy Le Cocq, said the Town Church would be open from 17:00 tonight for people to hold in their thoughts the families and first responders caught up in the tragedy.
Pictured: The Bailiff arriving at the Town Hall earlier today, and supplies being carried in.
Sir Timothy said: "I have spoken with the Dean of Jersey who has kindly offered to make the Town Church available and from this evening individuals may light candles for all who have been affected by this incident.
"I, along with others, will visit the Town Church this evening to take that opportunity and to hold in our thoughts the families and first responders who have taken part in or been affected by this incident."
The explosion site was reported to be "highly unsafe" with "pockets of fire" as Police Chief Robin Smith and Ambulance Chief Peter Gavey arrived at the scene.
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.
Shocked to hear the news of the explosion & tragic loss of life in our sister isle of #Jersey this morning. @Govgg & the #Guernsey community stand ready to assist where we can @GovJersey #CItigether
— Jonathan Le Tocq ???????? (@letocq) December 10, 2022
Thoughts with all our friends in Jersey as they deal with this major incident particularly those directly impacted and the emergency services. Let us know if you need any support in the coming days.@GovJersey @Moore4Jersey ???????? ???????? https://t.co/X16Pans8H5
— Alfred Cannan (@alfredcannan) December 10, 2022
https://t.co/WZCa9E2Rgn Please be patient if trying to contact a GP after midday as we are anticipating high very high demand
— Dr James Mair (@jamesmairjersey) December 10, 2022
Our love and thoughts for those affected by the devastating explosion.
— Jersey Cares (@cares_jersey) December 10, 2022
We have gifts we can donate to families and would be pleased to do whatever else we can.
11:48 - Minister for Home Affairs Deputy Helen Miles comments
The Minister thanked the emergency services for their response, and confirmed that "mutual assistance" is coming in from the UK. She said: "I’m grateful to all the first responders, all the emergency services who are supporting at the scene today."
A support line has been opened for Islanders requiring support and information about family members. Islanders are being urged to call these numbers and not the police number.
A support line is open for people requiring support & information about family members affected by the major incident. Please use these numbers and not police 612612. Thank you to everyone for offers of help so far. Andium Homes have provided accommodation to all those affected pic.twitter.com/yXciXgOx49
— Jersey Fire & Rescue (@JsyFire) December 10, 2022
10:25 - Vaccination centre closed
The Vaccination centre has been closed until further notice following the incident. People will be contacted about rebooking.
The Vaccination Centre will be closed until further notice. All vaccinations booked today will be rebooked. The Vaccination centre will be in touch with people to do this. Thank you for your understanding. pic.twitter.com/IYSDIo9gkd
— Government of Jersey (@GovJersey) December 10, 2022
10:23 - Fort Regent closed
IMPORTANT NOTICE
— FortRegent (@FortRegent) December 10, 2022
Due to the Incident on Pier Road this morning, Fort Regent is Closed. Please avoid the area. Our thoughts are with the residents affected and we will notify customers via these channels as soon as we are able to open.
The Bailiff has arrived at the Town Hall to offer support. Supplies are also being delivered.
He said: "I’m not directly involved with the either the direct response up at Pier Road or indeed the support down here at the Town Hall. I like many islanders woke up to the shocking news of the explosion...It’s been a most amazing effort... everyone’s been looked after in terms of medical attention if necessary, pastoral care if necessary, food, drink, clothing has been provided, and relocation has been sorted out." - Read more HERE.
Organiser Jackie Donald said: "In light of the tragic circumstances affecting the Island community and upon the advice of the States of Jersey Police, organisers of the proposed Christmas Parade due to take place on Sunday 11th December have taken the decision to postpone the event. Further discussion will take place with the authorities at an appropriate time in the hope that it can be arranged to take place at another date prior to Christmas.
"Our thoughts remain with those affected by these sad circumstances."
In a press conference this morning, the Police Chief confirmed that one person had lost their life in the explosion. 12 people are believed to be missing.
Specialists are also being drafted in from Hampshire's Fire Service to assist with locating anyone who may be trapped in the rubble.
The Chief Minister said the Covid Hotline was being repurposed to coordinate support.
A live update from the Chief Minister and Chief of Police on the incident at Pier Road. https://t.co/6Flbd6KWgd
— Government of Jersey (@GovJersey) December 10, 2022
“We are co-operating fully with the emergency services following the serious incident in St Helier this morning. Our thoughts are with the residents of the area and anyone who has been affected." - Read more here.
Thankyou to all who have got in touch. @Andiumhomes have advised me that they have sufficient accommodation for all those affected.
— David Warr (@WarrOnWords) December 10, 2022
Thoughts are with all those affected by this morning’s explosion in St Helier, which was powerful enough to be picked up on British Geological Survey’s earthquake monitors.
— Consumer Carl (@CarlWalker7) December 10, 2022
It’s now time for Jersey’s community to respond like never before. pic.twitter.com/GLOSNtT12d
Islanders are asked not to go to the Emergency Department today unless absolutely necessary. This is due to the ongoing response following the incident at Pier Road earlier this morning. If you require non-urgent out of hours treatment contact the out of hours GP: (01534) 445445.
— Jersey Gov Health & Community Services (@GovJsyHCS) December 10, 2022
Islanders affected by the explosion at Pier Road have been taken to the Town Hall, and emergency accommodation is being sought.
There has been a major explosion on Pier road in one of the @Andiumhomes flats. Emergency services are on-site and town hall is taking in walking wounded. Thoughts with those families affected at this time. We will need temp accommodation. Please get in touch if you can help.
— David Warr (@WarrOnWords) December 10, 2022
A cordon has been set up around Pier Road following a major explosion early this morning, with nearby buildings evacuated, and "walking wounded" treated at the Town Hall - Read more here.
One nearby resident, Melanie Davies, said: "Hearing the explosion was the scariest thing I have ever experienced in my life."
Jersey Channel islands explosion pic.twitter.com/KqEUDtyqTo
— Daniel Hunt (@just_daniel1411) December 10, 2022
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