ALL Islanders displaced by the explosion at Haut du Mont apartments in December have been offered new permanent accommodation, the government has said as the police complete evidence gathering at the site.
The cause of the fatal explosion at the Andium-run flats is still being investigated, with the working assumption that it was caused by gas. Ten people were killed as a result of the blast which shocked the Island.
There were 29 households displaced because of the explosion, with all residents being put in temporary accommodation immediately following the incident. The government has since confirmed that those people have since been offered new permanent accommodation and will not be returning to Haut du Mont.
The Pier Road site has been handed back to the government today after it was confirmed that the police had completed all evidence collection. The site will continue to be owned by Andium Homes and overseen by the government to ensure the safety of the area while the next steps are considered.
Deputy Chief Minister Kirsten Morel said: ‘The Haut du Mont site has now been released by States of Jersey Police following their completion of work at the site.
‘While good progress continues to be made at the site, it is important the area is kept cordoned off to maintain public safety. In view of this, Andium Homes has suggested that it would be most appropriate for responsibility of the day-to-day security and management of the site to remain with government, while the next steps are being considered.
‘It is still too soon to be making firm plans for the future of the area, which will take time and will be very sensitive to those most affected. Further decisions about the next steps will be considered alongside bereaved families, displaced residents, and the surrounding communities.
‘I’d like to thank States of Jersey Police for their work as the investigation into this tragic event continues to make good progress. I’d also like to thank Andium Homes for their continued hard work and deep commitment to their residents.’
Disaster victim and personal effects recovery experts will continue to work at Pier Road, with this work expected to finish next month. The upper levels of Pier Road carpark, which have been closed since December, will reopen from Thursday.
