Authorities in Jersey said a "devastating" explosion on Saturday levelled a low-rise apartment building, leaving three people dead and a number of others missing.
Following a suspected gas leak that occurred at around 4:00 am (0400 GMT) in St Helier, the port city of the Channel island, Chief Minister Kristina Moore announced at least three fatalities.
The three-story, bayside structure was completely engulfed in flames and thick smoke, according to security camera footage.
Anthony Abbott, a nearby tenant, claimed that the explosion wave broke the windows of his apartment inward and that "there was fire everywhere outside."
He told the BBC, "It was very, very distressing." We are fortunate that we are unharmed, but I'm a little shocked.
Island Energy, Jersey's gas supplier, stated that it was collaborating with the fire department to determine what had happened.
Police added that although the fire was put out, "major work" was still being done at the scene by emergency personnel.
