Gas Engineers 'Safety-testing' Island Network

Gas engineers have been safety testing Jersey's network following the fatal explosion at Haut du Mont flats that killed at least five people.

Island Energy says the work will take the next few days to complete, and that no issues had been found so far.

The company has announced its own investigation into what happened in the early hours of Saturday morning, as well as 'helping the various official enquiries'.

Five people have been confirmed dead, and a further four remain unaccounted for.

Specialist search teams are carefully picking through the debris of the collapsed three-story block in a slow and careful effort to recover bodies. 

Managing Director Jo Cox says the firm's prayers and thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones.

“Along with my colleagues at Island Energy, I join everyone in Jersey in offering our prayers and thoughts to families who have lost loved ones at this tragic time.

Island Energy continues to work alongside the emergency services as they continue their recovery operation. The company will conduct its own investigation into what happened, as well as helping the various official enquiries.

Our engineers are safety-testing the island’s gas network, and this will be completed in the next few days. No issues have been detected in the survey so far.

As is always the case if anyone smells gas, Island Energy has a dedicated emergency number which you should call immediately: 755555.”

In a press conference on Sunday afternoon, Police Chief Robin Smith said a gas leak seemed the 'likely' cause of the blast.

Firefighters had attended the scene on Friday evening, responding to reports of the smell of gas.

Chief Fire Officer Paul Brown has promised an 'honest and transparent' investigation, while Mr Smith said the police are 'ferociously independent'.

In an address to the States Assembly this afternoon, Chief Minister Deputy Kristina Moore also gave assurance of a full and independent investigation of what happened.

"Alongside the ongoing recovery operation, a police investigation into the events that led to the explosion is underway.

Again, that investigation will be independent at every stage, and will provide the facts of what happened for the families and loved ones of everyone involved."