Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have begun clearing rubble at the scene of an explosion and building collapse at Whalan, in Sydney’s west.
The blast, in Waikanda Crescent, rocked the neighborhood, just before 1pm, leveling most of a two-story townhouse.
Emergency services rescue people
Emergency services have evacuated five people from the scene. Two of them, women aged in their 60’s and 70’s, one in a wheelchair, have been rescued by FRNSW firefighters. They’ve been medically assessed and treated by NSW Ambulance.
Fire crews have also rescued a small dog, in good health, from the rubble.
Firefighters use seismic monitoring equipment
Firefighters are also using seismic monitoring equipment to capture any sounds under the ruins
A large gas leak initially prevented FRNSW crews, specially trained in Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) from entering the ruins.
The gas mains now have been isolated and those specialists are clearing the rubble, amid reports one person is unaccounted for.
Firefighters are also using seismic monitoring equipment to capture any sounds under the ruins. The cause of the explosion has not been formally determined.
FRNSW deploys RPAS/drone
FRNSW has used a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) or drone to carry out aerial assessments and searches of the scene.
Police are restricting traffic in the area and the public is instructed to remain clear, while emergency operations are underway.
