Rescue workers are digging frantically through rubble in a bid to find a woman trapped in the wreckage of a Western Sydney townhouse following a suspected gas explosion on Saturday afternoon.
The search and rescue operation was launched at a collapsed townhouse complex on Waikanda Cres in Whalan, in Sydney’s west following the explosion just before 1pm.
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The explosion destroyed a two-storey townhouse in the social housing complex for over 55s and caused “widespread damage” to neighbouring properties in the complex.
Five people were treated for minor injuries following the blast, including two women in their 60s and 70s, one of whom was in a wheelchair. A small dog, believed to be a puppy, was also rescued from the ruins.
“Really for a small number of people, it has been a very lucky escape,” NSW Ambulance Chief Superintendent Ian Johns said.
However one woman remained unaccounted for and late in the afternoon, a tapping sound was heard coming from the wreckage, although not by those directly involved in the rescue attempt. The search for her is continuing.
“There as substantial damage to a premises here in this street,” NSW Police Superintendent Darrin Batchelor said.
“Unfortunately there is still one person unaccounted for.
“Our fears are genuine for this person, that they may be located in that rubble, yes.”
Neighbours described their shock at the ferocity of the blast.
“I was just laying on the lounge just watching TV — and I heard a massive explosion, I raced outside thinking someone put a firebomb on my verandah or something,” resident Leanne Ansell told 7NEWS.
Her neighbour Peter said he was “just sitting there, and all of a sudden, kaboom”.
FRNSW said the “large blast blew out windows and damaged neighbouring townhouses in the multi-apartment complex”.
“The gas company has been unable to cut off supply to the scene and is attempting to isolate the mains.
“There is no fire at present but the scene remains volatile and unstable.”
However NSWFR Superintendent Ross Genders said it was unknown what caused the explosion.
“We dont actually know what caused the blast in the first place,” he told reporters.
The public has been urged to avoid the area, as the emergency operation remains ongoing and local traffic diversions are in place.
NSW Police are investigating the explosion.