Jersey's Attorney General is considering the evidence gathered in the investigation into the fatal blast at Haut du Mont.

An update on the investigation into the fatal blast on Pier Road on 10 December 2022 has been given today (5 December) by the States of Jersey Police, the Health and Safety Inspectorate and the Law Officers' Department as the second anniversary of the disaster approaches.

"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.”

In October, we were told that charges were being considered in the case.   Jersey Police and the Health and Safety Inspectorate passed their case files of evidence to the Law Officers Department (LOD) - the island's prosecution service.

The files contain a collection of documents and expert opinions relating to Operation Spire which encompasses two criminal investigations - one by the police and the other by the Health and Safety inspectorate.

The ten residents who died were Raymond (Raymie) Brown (71), Kathy McGuinness (73), Peter Bowler (72), Ken Ralph and Jane Ralph (72 & 71), Billy Marsden (63), Derek Ellis and Sylvia Ellis (61 & 73), and Romeu De Almeida and Louise De Almeida (67 & 64).

Three men, arrested in August 2023 on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter, remain on police bail.

Last month, the Housing Minister said a planning application for the Haut du Mont site would be submitted in early 2025.

We are told the bereaved families are being kept fully updated.

The government say wellbeing support continues to be available to islanders affected by what happened and can be accessed by emailing JTT@health.gov.je and quoting “MAJOR INCIDENT” in the subject line of your email or calling 01534 445002.

The Jersey Adult Mental Health team are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on: 01534 445290