Jersey States Police Chief Officer Robin Smith said the building had “completely collapsed” and “there has to be a recognition that we could have more fatalities”, reports Sky.
One person is dead and “around a dozen” are missing after a massive explosion at a three-story apartment building in Jersey.
Two “walking wounded” were taken to hospital as Channel Island Police searched the site following the explosion at Haut du Mont off Pier Road, St Helier.
Officials said relatives have been contacted.
Police said the fire had been put out, but 911 services are still “carrying out significant work” at the scene.
Jersey States Police Chief Officer Robin Smith said at a news conference that firefighters were called to the area the night before after residents reported smelling of gas.
Mr Smith said police subsequently received reports of a “large explosion” around 4am on Saturday.
He said one person died and two people, who he described as having “walking wounded,” were taken to hospital. He added that “around a dozen” people are still missing.
Mr Smith also described the scene as “devastating” and warned there could be more casualties.
He said: “We have a three-storey building that has completely collapsed – described from a demolition point of view as a pancake that has dropped almost straight down. There is also damage to a nearby building as well, another block of flats that the fire service needs to make safe. It is a pretty devastating scene, I regret to say,” reports Sky.
When asked how many people are believed to be missing, he said: “Given the destruction of the building it is hard to properly assess the numbers,” reports Sky.
Asked if there were likely to be more deaths, Mr Smith said: “I wouldn’t want to speculate on those sorts of things… but there has to be a recognition that we could have more fatalities,” reports Sky.
He added that police will investigate “whether there was a safety issue” with the gas supply.
Mr Smith also said between 20 and 30 people evacuated from the area were taken to St Helier Town Hall.
Jersey Fire and Rescue Service worked with Hampshire Fire and Rescue to help with the search.
Jersey Prime Minister Kristina Moore said the homes would be managed by Andium Homes, who were working to ensure all those displaced had a place to stay on Saturday night.
He also credited the emergency services for their ongoing work at the scene, which he said would take “a couple of days” to clean up.
Speaking at a news conference on Saturday morning, Ms Moore said: “Through these difficult times, I think it’s reassuring for everyone to see what amazing strength we have within our emergency services and, again, we just thank everybody who stepped up and came to the rescue and continue to work on the scene”, reports Sky.
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