St Helier, Jersey – A significant road in St. Helier that had been closed for 17 months following a tragic explosion at a block of flats has finally reopened to the public. The blast, which occurred on December 10, 2022, resulted in the loss of ten lives. The closure of a section of Pier Road was necessary for the site clearance after the incident, as well as for police and forensic investigations and the demolition of surrounding buildings.
Months of careful planning and discussions with the bereaved families and individuals who lost their homes were essential before the reopening of Pier Road was confirmed. The road’s reopening date was initially estimated for May 10, as announced by Jersey’s infrastructure minister in the previous month. The incident is still under investigation, with authorities primarily considering a gas explosion as the cause.
In April, the Chief of Police disclosed that three individuals previously arrested in connection with the explosion had been re-interviewed and released on bail. However, the likelihood of further arrests was deemed low by the authorities. Despite ongoing efforts to determine the exact cause of the tragic event, the community now welcomes the reopening of Pier Road after months of closure. The road’s restoration marks a symbolic step towards recovery and healing for the affected residents and the entire community of St Helier.