THIS is the horrific moment a block of flats in Jersey exploded in a 'gas' blast with three people dead and 'about 12' still missing.

The shocking blast in Jersey's capital, St Helier, happened just before 4am, with emergency services launching a search for survivors in the rubble of the three storey building.

At least three people have died following the horror explosion, Chief Minister Kristina Moore said, as she described it as an "unimaginable tragedy".

Jersey Police have now warned more fatalities are possible as they search the blast site for survivors after the explosion and fire on the south of the island.

And this afternoon, cops added that "the site remains highly unsafe" with "pockets of fire" being discovered.

Officers have cordoned off a large part of St Helier after the explosion, with cops urging people to stay away from the debris-strewn area surrounding Mount Bingham.

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The blast was so powerful it was picked up on the British Geological Survey’s earthquake monitors.

The ear-piercing sound was heard across the island with a large plume of smoke seen billowing from the area.

Shattered glass was seen scattered across nearby streets as the force of the blast blew out the windows from surrounding buildings.

A crumpled crane could also be seen near the rubble of the smouldering remains of the three-storey building that had completely collapsed.

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The force said in a statement: "Following the explosion this morning at Haut du Mont, Pier Road, a number of residents are still missing.

"Emergency services are working at the scene and have commenced a surface search of the site.

"Relatives are being contacted by Family Liaison Officers."

Robin Smith, chief officer at States of Jersey Police said: "There are of course a number of other people that are unaccounted for and therefore a search and rescue operation has commenced."

He added the search could take a number of days, saying: "It is a pretty devastating scene."

When asked whether there are likely to be more deaths, he 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."

Smith said the explosion is a "protracted" incident, and will go on for "days, maybe weeks".

He told a press conference: "A number of staff have worked very long days.

"This is a protracted incident and this is going to go on for days, maybe weeks, and therefore it is important to have resources to continue to keep going."

Smith confirmed that firefighters were called out on Friday night after residents reported smelling gas – with the explosion happening just hours later.

He said Jersey Fire and Rescue Service were liaising with Hampshire Fire and Rescue to help with the search.

Mr Smith added that between 20 and 30 people evacuated from the area had been taken to St Helier Town Hall.

Paul Brown, chief fire officer, said the plan is to continue searching the scene of the explosion in St Helier.

Speaking at a press conference, he said: "The plan is that we will continue searching and we have no other plan at this stage.

"We are just continuing to search and most of our efforts at the moment are about organisation and logistics of securing the right support at the right time, and making sure that the right equipment arrives in the right sequence."

He later added: "The area is being lit and teams will be working tonight, all night, and we will not stop for the time being."

Twenty-one police officers, nine paramedics and 19 firefighters have attended the scene with extra staff being called into the hospital.

Residents described how the massive explosion "sounded like an earthquake".

Melody Wiseman, 27, who lives in a fifth floor flat across the harbour was woken by the noise and shaking of the fearsome explosion.

She said: "I was woken up by this massive, massive bang and the whole flat was just shaking, I was freaking out, I had no idea what was happening.

"I held onto the bed because the flat was shaking so much. There is a new block of flats being built next door and I was worried it was falling down, or it could have been an earthquake, it sounded that loud.

"I was too shaken up to go to the window and look out.
"If I had gone on the balcony I'd have seen a lot of flames, so I'm glad I didn't as I can't get the noise of it out of my head, I'm still freaked out by it."

While Byron Hatton questioned whether "a car had crashed into the house" at their home just outside Bingham Court.

He said: ""The first bang was absolutely massive, it shook the house. Then there were two smaller explosions. It woke everyone in the area up.

"Pier Road was absolute carnage, there was ash and debris everywhere but we couldn't get any closer."

And local Janice Byrne, who lives in flats opposite, said: "I was nearly thrown out of my bed by an explosion. 

"It was terrifying. There was a massive bang and the building shook."

Cops said the fire has been extinguished, but emergency services are still "carrying out significant work" at the scene, which is cordoned off, and people have been asked to avoid the area.

The Government of Jersey said the Town Church in St Helier would be open until 8pm on Saturday for anyone affected by the explosion.

A statement on Twitter said: "The Town Church is open until 8pm this evening and has set up a space for Islanders who wish to light candles for all who have been affected by this incident.

"The church has also set up a space with tea and coffee for Islanders who simply need a place to process recent events."

Chief minister of Jersey, Kristina Moore, said the flats were run by Andium Homes.

A company spokesperson said officers are working to ensure anyone who's lost a home will have somewhere to stay tonight.

Moore also paid tribute to the emergency services for their ongoing work at the scene, which she said would take "some days" to clear.

Did you witness the blast? Send an email to [email protected] or call the Sun news desk on 020 7782 4100

Speaking at a press 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.

"This is going to take some days and we will keep everyone updated and fully informed and we will do our very best to ensure everybody is properly looked after."

Asked how many people were still missing, Mr Smith said: "Given the destruction of the building it is hard to properly assess the numbers.

"We are looking in the region of around a dozen currently, but you will appreciate also that number could fluctuate."

Jersey Consumer Council Chairman Carl Walker said: "Thoughts are with all those affected by this morning’s explosion in St Helier, which was powerful enough to be picked up on British Geological Survey’s earthquake monitors.

"It’s now time for Jersey’s community to respond like never before."

While at this stage there is no confirmation of the cause of the explosion, Jersey's gas supplier – Island Energy – posted an update on Twitter.

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The tweet read: "We are working with @JsyFire to understand exactly what has happened and will share more information once it is available.

"We ask that islanders continue to follow the advice given by emergency services at this time."

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