The death toll from an explosion at a block of flats in St Helier, Jersey, has risen to seven, the island’s police chief confirmed. At around 4am on Saturday morning the building was destroyed in a blast.
Seven people have now been confirmed dead, up from five, with two people still missing. Seven of those involved have been named as Peter Bowler, 72, Raymond (Raymie) Brown, 71, Romeu and Louise De Almeida, 67 and 64 years, Derek and Sylvia Ellis, 61 and 73 years, and 63-year-old Billy Marsden.
In a statement on Tuesday, Jersey Police chief Robin Smith said: “The families have been made aware of this announcement and are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers. The fatalities have not yet been formally identified. The Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) process must be carefully considered and managed in a dignified and compassionate way.
