A tenth islander has died following the explosion at Jersey's Haut de Mont flats on 10 December.

Kathleen (Kathy) McGinness (73) lived at the flats on Pier Road, in a building adjoining the one which collapsed in the blast earlier this month.

In a statement issued today (26 December), Chief of Police Robin Smith said:

"I am in the incredibly sad position of confirming another fatality linked to Haut du Mont."

Kathy McGinness passed away in Jersey's General Hospital on Christmas Day.  She had been admitted to hospital following the incident, which occurred just before 4am on Saturday 10 December.

"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."

Nine people had previously been confirmed to have died in the blast.

They are Ken Ralph and Jane Ralph (aged 72 & 71), Billy Marsden (63),  Derek Ellis and Sylvia Ellis (aged 61 & 73), Raymond (Raymie) Brown (71), Romeu De Almeida and Louise De Almeida (67 & 64) and Peter Bowler (72).

Officers expect that their inquests will be opened on Friday 30 December, but will be adjourned while the investigation continues.

"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." - Robin Smith, Chief of Police.

States of Jersey Police are investigating the cause of the explosion.

20 full-time police officers are assigned to the case. It is being led by Head of Crime Detective Superintendent Alison Fossey. 

Jersey Fire & Rescue Service and Jersey Gas are also conducting their own investigations.