A woman’s body has been found after an explosion at a townhouse in Sydney’s west.
The woman, aged in her 30s, was unaccounted for following the explosion at Waikanda Crescent in Whalan, near Mount Druitt, just before 1pm on Saturday.
After a day-and-a-half-long search by crews, her body was found at the scene about 2:23am today.
Emergency services personnel, including NSW Fire and Rescue, police and specialist urban rescue crews, had been delicately sifting through the rubble looking for the woman in the aftermath of the blast.
Since Saturday, crews in a “human chain” formation have removed each item of debris by hand, piece-by-piece, while trying to look for spaces where someone might be found.
They moved slowly so as not to create more damage that could further endanger the woman.
Five people were injured, four units in the complex collapsed and nearby properties were damaged in the explosion, which was heard kilometres away.
Those who were injured were taken to hospitals in St George and Hawkesbury. However, they have since been released.
The body is yet to be formally identified and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
The block of houses is owned by the state government and used as residential housing for seniors.
Neighbour Annie Toia said it was “catastrophic” for the woman’s family.
“I know her family, and they’re all lovely people, so I can’t even fathom what’s going through their heads.”
Ms Toia said she saw “raw emotion” from the woman’s mother in the aftermath of the explosion.
NSW Housing Minister Rose Jackson told ABC Radio Sydney it was a “really heartbreaking end to what was a painstaking search”.
“They [emergency crews] did absolutely everything they could,” she said.
Ms Jackson said she has not spoken with the woman’s mother but would contact her.
However, she said she has spoken with affected residents.
“Obviously, they’re all shaken, they’re all pretty shocked, and this is just a really sad end to what has been a very difficult weekend for them.”
Potential gas leak
The government has launched an urgent investigation following reports community members smelled gas in the lead-up to the incident.
On Sunday, a number of residents told the ABC they had smelled gas days prior, with one local taking it up with the provider.
Ms Jackson said the maintenance logs for the property have been checked and noted that “there were two reports of issues with the gas meter within the last 12 months”.
“On both those instances, there was an urgent response and a part was replaced and both the maintenance team and the gas supplier checked that and reported that there were no issues.”
“We will be looking at whether that [gas] was a contributing factor.”
In a statement, she said she was “deeply concerned by the accounts of residents who raised the issue of the smell of gas within the last 12 months”.
“I have instructed Homes NSW to urgently investigate this matter.”
Authorities have said the investigation could take days.
The government has announced that residents impacted by the explosion will be able to access alternative accommodation and other assistance, including vouchers for clothing and furniture.
Counselling is also being offered.
Tenants who relocate will have the option to return to Waikanda Avenue once the remedial work has been completed, with the government paying for packing and moving.
Gail Matycz, whose house is two doors down from the explosion, said she would be taking up the offer.
She said she no longer felt safe.
“I’m not sleeping in my house … I don’t feel safe, not at all,” Ms Matycz said.
“There must be damage underneath because there’s all cracks and everything.”
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