No survivors in Jersey blast

Rescuers in Jersey said Sunday after an all-night search that there was no hope of survivors from an explosion that flattened a three-storey apartment block.

At least three people were confirmed killed in the blast early Saturday in the Channel island's port capital St Helier, following a suspected gas leak.

"We have three confirmed fatalities and it's fair to say we expect to find more," police chief Robin Smith told a news conference, saying that around 12 residents remained unaccounted for. 

Video: AFP

"It is with sadness that I am confirming that the search-and-rescue operation has been moved to a recovery operation," he said.

The next phase involved a "meticulous and painstaking search of the debris" which could take weeks, Smith said, adding that a gas leak was the "likely" cause.

Aided by sniffer dogs and experts from southern England, Jersey emergency workers had searched the rubble overnight.

Fire chief Paul Brown confirmed that firefighters were called out to investigate the smell of gas on Friday evening, more than seven hours before the explosion.

He conceded that something had gone "horribly wrong" given the subsequent disaster, but insisted that Jersey islanders...