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Fire cancels flights into island | |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Several flights into Jersey airport have been cancelled after explosions and a fire at a hotel caused a cloud of black smoke to drift over the island. | |
The blaze struck the Broadlands Hotel, a staff accommodation block and outbuildings in Mont Fallu, St Peter. | |
Gas canisters were stored on site, and they could be the cause of the blasts. | |
Crews had to pull back due to fears of further blasts and one person was taken to hospital with smoke inhalation. A decision on flying will be made later. | |
About 60 people were evacuated from the area and a nearby swimming pool drained to help tackle the blaze. | |
People were evacuated from the guest house and nearby area | People were evacuated from the guest house and nearby area |
Fire service group manager Martin Maguire said most of the crews had been pulled back due to the presence of dangerous chemicals and acetylene cylinders. | |
He said: "All of the buildings are well alight and the hotel is well alight as well. | |
"We have pulled out all of the firefighters apart from fire monitors as we believe there are acetylene cylinders and other chemicals in the buildings. | |
"We also suspect there is asbestos and fertilisers. | |
He said crews would not be able to save the hotel and other buildings. | |
"There is a recycling plant at the back of the buildings and we believe that is where the fire started, said Mr Maguire. | |
Polish worker Eric Bernard who was staying in the guest house, told BBC News: "I heard a big bang. I only had time to get my passport. We were watching TV when we heard two loud bangs Alison Page-Brown | |
"I felt horrible leaving it all, but I've lost everything. I will probably be sleeping in my car tonight. | "I felt horrible leaving it all, but I've lost everything. I will probably be sleeping in my car tonight. |
"Others were not so lucky, they lost their cars as well." | "Others were not so lucky, they lost their cars as well." |
Alison Page-Brown who lives about a mile away, said: "We were watching TV when we heard two loud bangs. | Alison Page-Brown who lives about a mile away, said: "We were watching TV when we heard two loud bangs. |
"A few minutes later I went upstairs and saw the smoke from a window at the back of our house." | "A few minutes later I went upstairs and saw the smoke from a window at the back of our house." |
Chief fire officer Mark James said: "The fire broke out in the buildings surrounding the hotel. | Chief fire officer Mark James said: "The fire broke out in the buildings surrounding the hotel. |
"The airport has closed due to the close proximity of the fire and the amount of smoke. | "The airport has closed due to the close proximity of the fire and the amount of smoke. |
"We are also evacuating the area as some of the buildings, which are mainly workshops, contain asbestos." | "We are also evacuating the area as some of the buildings, which are mainly workshops, contain asbestos." |
Airport managers said a decision would be taken on Tuesday morning about whether flights would be able to leave and arrive. | |
Are you in Jersey? Have you been affected by the blasts? Send us your experiences using the form below. | Are you in Jersey? Have you been affected by the blasts? Send us your experiences using the form below. |
You can send your pictures and moving footage to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 07725 100 100 or short code 61124 | You can send your pictures and moving footage to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 07725 100 100 or short code 61124 |
Click here for terms and conditions on sending photos and video | Click here for terms and conditions on sending photos and video |
When taking photos or filming please do not endanger yourself or others, take unnecessary risks or infringe any laws. | When taking photos or filming please do not endanger yourself or others, take unnecessary risks or infringe any laws. |