Jersey Police have released a statement confirming the death of Kathleen (Kathy) McGinness, a 73 year old woman who was injured after an explosion devastated a three-story block of apartments in St Helier.

The police force confirmed the woman died in Jersey General Hospital on Christmas Day, where she had been receiving treatment for the injuries she sustained on December 10.

Chief Officer Robin Smith described the news as “incredibly sad,” adding that the woman’s family were being supported by specially trained officers.

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The death of Ms McGinness brings the death toll from the tragic explosion to ten people.

A statement from the Chief of Jersey Police read: “I am in the incredibly sad position of confirming another fatality linked to Haut du Mont.

“Kathleen (Kathy) McGinness (73) who lived at Haut du Mont in an adjacent building to the one which collapsed, passed away in Jersey General Hospital on Christmas Day.  She had been admitted to hospital following the incident at Pier Road.

“Her family are being supported by specially trained Police Family Liaison Officers and my thoughts, and the thoughts of all of us at States of Jersey Police, are with them.”

On December 15, police announced another fatality had been confirmed at the Haut du Mont site on Pier Road, marking the ninth death connected to the explosion.

Following the discovery, Jersey Police revealed no more residents remained unaccounted for, but insisted the search operation would continue until the site had been fully cleared.

In a Boxing Day statement following the death of Ms McGinness, Chief Officer Robin Smith said: “This incident has been incredibly challenging for everyone involved and I would like to praise the families for their stoicism in the face of such tragic circumstances. 

“The Island is rightly behind them and on-hand to support, but first and foremost we are there together to give them their privacy and time to grieve.”

More to follow…

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