Hampshire fire crews return after mission at Jersey explosion site
HAMPSHIRE fire crews who were assisting a rescue operation in Jersey following a block of flats collapse have returned.
Over 20 firefighters and officers were dispatched to the island to assist in rescue efforts after the devastating incident in the early hours of December 10.
Nine bodies were found after the blast hit the island’s capital, St Helier.
Following a request for assistance from Jersey Fire and Rescue Service, Hampshire Fire Service organized specialist crews to travel to the island and provide their expertise.
Image taken with permission from @just_daniel1411’s Twitter feed of the aftermath of an explosion and fire at a block of flats in St Helier, Jersey. (PA) (Image: PA)
The crews have now returned home after the incident’s response phase ended after more than a week.
CONTINUE READING: Hampshire Fire Brigade have been called in after a large explosion in Jersey
Glenn Bowyer, Area Manager for Operations at Hampshire Fire, said: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy.”
“I would like to commend the work of our teams who have demonstrated their professionalism and expertise in assisting our Jersey Ambulance colleagues during a major incident.
“We’ve been working day and night with various partners and agencies, and this incident has shown how competent and effective our teams are in collaborating with others.
“Our teams have proudly exemplified the values and behaviors of our organization throughout their time in Jersey.
“I also acknowledge the exceptional work done by the teams and individuals supporting the deployment within HIWFRS, without which the on-the-ground effort would not have been possible.”
CONTINUE READING: Grandma ‘trapped in apartment’ after rainwater forms ‘swimming pool’ in front of door
All residents have now been recorded and seven of the fatalities have been identified as Peter Bowler (72), Raymond (Raymie) Brown (71), Romeu and Louise De Almeida (67 and 64), Derek and Sylvia Ellis (61 and 73), and the 63-year-old Billy Marsden.
The island’s fire department became the subject of an independent investigation after it was revealed that officers were called to the block of flats on the evening of December 9, just hours before the blast.
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