Flats In Haut Du Mont Blast Zone To Be Demolished

Tuesday, 18 April 2023 12:09

The three blocks of flats in the immediate vicinity of the blast site on Pier Road are set to be demolished.

Two buildings - Haut du Mont flats 22 -26 and 33 - 36 - will be removed as they sustained 'severe damage' in the 10 December explosion, which killed 10 residents.

The government says that the buildings are rapidly degrading and objects from them are falling off, especially during high winds.

Deputy Chief Minister Kirsten Morel says their removal is the government's 'immediate proposal'

"These blocks lost windows due to the explosion, and the roof structures have been deemed severely damaged.

This has allowed water penetration over the last four months which has further damaged the interior of the structures. Internal degradation and collapse of ceilings now pose a threat to anyone entering the buildings."

A longer-term solution for the site is being considered, which includes making it into a memorial to the incident.

Any memorial will be agreed upon through consultation with the victims' families, displaced residents and the wider community.

While those decisions are made, flats 1 - 21 will remain 'for the time being' while workers on the site assess the damage done to them by the blast.

"The decision has been taken with the highest sensitivity and with the best interests of bereaved families, displaced residents, and our Island community."