Smoke clouds close island airport




Jersey airport has been closed after a series of explosions led to a cloud of black smoke over the island.
It is not yet known what caused the fire which started in a barn near the Broadlands guest house in the Mont Fallu area of St Peter.
It is believed gas canisters and diesel were stored on site and they could be the cause of the explosions.
About 60 people have been evacuated from the area and a nearby swimming pool drained to help tackle the blaze.
The noise of the explosions could be heard around the island


There are no reports of injuries.
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.
"We are also evacuating the area as some of the buildings which are mainly workshops contain asbestos." 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 up stairs and saw the smoke from a window at the back of our house."