Recovery Of Belongings From Haut Du Mont Continues

Disaster recovery experts expect to remain at the site of the fatal explosion on Pier Road for another two months.

They have so far spent more than 7,000 hours trying to retrieve items, sifting through more than 300 tonnes of rubble.

The teams think they will be at Haut du Mont until mid or late April.

Everything they find is being catalogued so that the bereaved families of the ten residents who died in the 10 December blast can identify their loves ones' belongings.

Gates are being installed at either end of the cordon this week to maintain security as the police investigation into what happened continues.

More than half of the 29 households that were displaced and living in temporary accommodation have been found permanent fully-furnished homes.

Efforts continue to rehome the other families.

Residents who were not directly impacted by the blast have been able to start to collect small possessions and take them back to their new homes.

However, it has not been safe for those from more severely-damaged properties to return for any of their things.

Teams have been working to return possessions to them. Deputy Chief Minister Kirsten Morel says their response has been truly outstanding.

"We are fortunate to be working with world class professionals on the Pier Road site recovery.

I am grateful for the teams who have been retrieving items for the displaced residents and bereaved families.

They have shown immense care and professionalism, retrieving items as small as earrings from the scene."

Affected households are also being offered free GP appointments and have access to services at the Listening Lounge, Mind Jersey and the Jersey Recovery College.

Specially trained police search officers remain on site too, looking for any remaining evidence relevant to their investigation  - Operation Spire.

The Haut du Mont site will be handed back to the government once forensics work is complete.

Deputy Kirsten Morel says it is too soon to make any firm plans for its future.

"Any next steps will be considered with bereaved families and the displaced community, to make sure we have a positive outcome for our Island.

This will take time and will be very sensitive to those most affected."