Actions taken by emergency services prior to the Haut du Mont explosion are under scrutiny, prompting potential charges
In the aftermath of the devastating Haut du Mont explosion on 10 December 2022, which claimed the lives of nine individuals and left several others injured, the States Employment Board has been charged with two health and safety offences.
The tragic incident resulted in the loss of life for Peter Bowler (72), Raymond Brown (71), Romeu De Almeida (67), Louise De Almeida (64), Derek Ellis (61), Sylvia Ellis (73), Ken Ralph (72), Jane Ralph (71), and Billy Marsden (63). The Government of Jersey has been providing emotional and practical support to the bereaved families, injured, and displaced residents since the explosion.
The charges, which are under the Health and Safety at Work (Jersey) Law 1989, relate to the States Employment Board's failure to ensure the health and safety of employees and the public. The investigation for these charges was conducted by the Health and Safety Inspectorate.
The Government remains committed to supporting the bereaved families and displaced residents throughout the ongoing legal process. This support includes assistance for displaced residents, access to professional support, and facilitation of community meetings to keep affected individuals informed.
The Government of Jersey has been working closely with States of Jersey Police and Andium Homes since December 2022. The Chief Minister, Lyndon Farnham, expressed deep sympathies to the bereaved families, injured, displaced residents, and all islanders who continue to live with the consequences of the Haut du Mont explosion.
Deputy Malcolm Ferey, vice chair of the States Employment Board, has stated that they respect the judicial process and will not comment further to avoid compromising it. The charges do not involve any individual.
Kathy McGinness (73), who was injured in the explosion, passed away at the General Hospital on Christmas Day in 2022. The charges are in relation to events that occurred before the Haut Du Mont explosion on 10 December 2022.
Deputy Malcolm Ferey also expressed his sympathies to the families, friends, and all those affected by the Haut Du Mont explosion. The Government is determined to learn all possible lessons from the Health and Safety Inspectorate investigation into the Haut du Mont explosion, with the aim of preventing such a tragedy from happening again. The Government is committed to ensuring that every practical step is taken to achieve this goal.
The Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham stated that the tragic events at Haut du Mont had a deep and lasting impact on the island. The Government of Jersey, in collaboration with States of Jersey Police and Andium Homes, continues to work towards providing support and closure to those affected by this tragic incident.
Read also:
- Protesters personally deliver correspondence to Fetterman's workplace
- Delay in CDC's Decision on Hepatitis B Vaccine: Insights into Potential Alterations for Parents
- Specialist in Vision Therapy: Expert in Behavioral and Developmental Optometry
- Households urged to address disinfection of their drinking water supply
