The fire brigade had previously been called to the residential area due to the smell of gas.
At least three people have been killed in an explosion last night in Haut du Mont on the island of Jersey in the English Channel.
Several people are missing. The explosion completely collapsed the three-story residential building and also damaged nearby buildings.
Two injured have received hospital treatment.
Television channel ITV has published a video of the explosion on Twitter.
– My bedroom shook and the windows rattled from the explosion. It was very distressing, describes the 19-year-old at the time of the accident Daniel Huntwhose apartment and the explosion site have a bay between them.
Searches can take days
The search for the missing can take days, authorities warn.
According to the rescue authorities, the crash site is extremely unsafe and there have been hot spots, even though the actual fire has been extinguished.
The cause of the explosion is still not completely certain, but gas is considered the likely cause.
According to the police, the fire brigade had previously visited the place after receiving a report from the residents about the smell of gas.
Among other things, they reported on the matter The British Broadcasting Company BBC (you will switch to another service) and Sky News news channel (switch to another service).
Sources: Reuters, AFP, AP