DECISIONS on charges relating to the investigation into the Haut du Mont explosion are expected “soon”, according to the States police.
In a joint statement with the Health and Safety Inspectorate and the Law Officers’ Department issued this afternoon, the force said that the Attorney General was reviewing evidence and could “soon be in a position to provide legal advice”.
The Haut du Mont explosion claimed the lives of ten islanders in December 2022.
Residents Peter Bowler (72), 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 died in the blast.
Kathy McGinness (73), who lived in an adjacent block at Haut de Mont, was injured as a result of the explosion and died at the General Hospital on Christmas Day that year.
There are two criminal investigations running side by side – co-ordinated by the States police and Health and Safety Inspectorate – referred to as Operation Spire.
Earlier this year, it was confirmed that three suspects had been arrested and interviewed in connection to offences of gross negligence manslaughter, with chief officer Robin Smith revealing that the force was “nearing the conclusion” of its investigation.
The joint statement issued this afternoon 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.”
It continued: “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.”
