States Employment Board to be charged over fatal explosion at Haut du Mont

The States Employment Board - the employer of Jersey's public servants - is being charged with two offences in connection with the explosion at Haut du Mont which killed ten people.

The SEB has been summoned to court to be charged with two breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Law.

The Health and Safety Inspectorate's investigation has concluded that the SEB failed to ensure the health and safety of its employees, and also failed in its duties to ensure the health and safety of the public.

The HSI was looking into the actions of Jersey Fire and Rescue Service and the 999 control centre the evening before the explosion in the early hours of 10 December 2022.

Residents of Haut du Mont reported the smell of gas prior to the blast, despite the flats not being connected to the island's mains gas network.

Vice Chair of the States Employment Board, Deputy Malcolm Ferey, says the charges are being brought against the employer and not against any individual.

"We continue to fully respect the judicial process and the investigations that have taken place and remain committed to learning from their outcomes.

"Out of respect for the ongoing legal process and to ensure it is not compromised in any way, we are unable to make any further comment at this time.

"My sincere thoughts and prayers remain with the families, friends and all those who have been affected by this unprecedented and tragic event."

Chief Minister, Deputy Lyndon Farnham says the government continues to work closely with Jersey Police and Andium Homes to provide both emotional and practical support.

"We remain committed to supporting the bereaved families and displaced residents throughout the ongoing legal process, and we will continue to provide that support for as long as it is needed.

"The Government is determined to learn all possible lessons from the Health and Safety Inspectorate investigation. We are committed to ensuring that every practical step is taken so that a tragedy of this nature can never happen again."

The SEB will appear before the Magistrate's Court on 25 September 2025.

Island Energy's CEO, Graeme Millar, appeared before the Royal Court in May and pleaded not guilty, on behalf of the gas company, to two offences under the same law.

Island Energy CEO Graeme Millar (centre) and Advocate Preston (left)

Separately, former Island Energy employees Neil Armstrong (56), Lee Alan Ward (57) and John Mark Wright (59) each deny ten counts of gross negligence manslaughter.

Advocates Tremoceiro, Blakeley and Boothman are representing the three men.

Both cases were adjourned until a directions hearing in October.

Ten islanders, Raymond Brown (71), Kathy McGinness (73), Billy Marsden (62), Ken Ralph (72), Jane Ralph (71), Peter Bowler (72), Derek Ellis (61), Sylvia Ellis (73), Romeu De Almeida (67) and Louise De Almeida (64), were killed in the explosion at Haut du Mont on 10 December 2022 just before 4:00 am.

Deputy Farnham says the tragic events at Haut du Mont on 10 December 2022 had a deep and lasting impact on the island:

"On behalf of the Government of Jersey, I again extend our deepest sympathies to the bereaved families, the injured, the displaced residents, and to all islanders who continue to live with the consequences of that devastating event."