RESIDENTS of a St Clement housing estate were evacuated on Saturday evening following a gas leak.
Around 50 homes in an apartment block in Le Clos Mourant on Le Squez Road have been evacuated and Islanders are asked to avoid the area.
Island Energy engineers were called to the flats following reports of a gas smell and detected a pocket of gas in a service duct which has since been “vented and purged with air and the gas readings inside the building are zero”, according to a Jersey Fire and Rescue Service update.
The source of the leak is not yet known with engineers continuing to monitor gas levels.
Displaced residents are being cared for at the Good Companions Club, a charitable social centre for the over 55s, or are with family and friends. Hotel rooms have also been provided by the government for those affected until the leak is repaired.
Island Energy said residents were evacuated as a “precautionary” measure.
An Island Energy spokesperson said: “Island Energy has a very strict policy and procedure in the event of a gas escape, and when we are called to attend, we use highly sensitive gas detection equipment, and follow a thorough process checking and monitoring the inside and outside of properties within the vicinity.
“The evacuation of homes and properties in the vicinity is precautionary, and again is best practice in these situations.
“We would like to thank the residents of the area for their understanding and co-operation and reassure them we are doing everything possible to get them back into their homes as quickly as possible.”
In a statement, Andium Homes said: “A number of Andium Homes residents who occupy one apartment block at Clos Mourant, St Clement have had to be evacuated by the emergency services as a precaution, following a report of a smell of gas, reported to Island Energy this afternoon.
“Andium Staff are supporting residents at the Good Companions Club until the issue is resolved by Island Energy.”
Andium confirmed that the development “has never had any gas infrastructure in it and none of the residents use gas for cooking or heating”. The social housing provider said staff would stay with residents until they were allowed back in their homes.
In an update issued just before 10pm on Saturday, the fire service said: “During their investigations at Le Clos Mourant, a pocket of gas was detected by Island Energy engineers in a service duct.
“This build-up has now been vented and purged with air and the gas readings inside the building are zero.
“However, the source of the leak has not yet been found and Island Energy will remain on scene to continue to monitor gas levels until it is.
“All properties at risk have been evacuated. If neighbours have not been evacuated from their homes, it is not believed they are at risk.
“There is no immediate concern for residents, however, to avoid undue anxiety hotel rooms are being provided by government for those affected until the leak is repaired.
“Staff from Andium, supported by the government’s Employment, Social Security and Housing team, are on site in the Good Companions Club and in the Community Centre to speak with residents.
“A further review meeting will be held tomorrow morning, to determine the next steps.”
