Residents of the housing commission townhouse in Whalan that exploded over the weekend had reportedly complained about two gas leaks in the months leading up to the disaster which killed trainee nurse Jasmin Mhey.
The residence in western Sydney collapsed just before 1pm on Saturday, destroying multiple units and hospitalising five. A dozen people from surrounding homes were evacuated.
Mhey’s body was found 36 hours later during the early hours of Monday morning and recovered from the debris later that day. It is understood she was in the kitchen at the time of the incident.
NSW Police Detective Superintendent Darren Newman said the explosion was so powerful it could be felt in “various other suburbs”, with some reports as far as 40 kilometres away.
It is understood in the lead up to the explosion, tenants complained to the Department of Housing twice in the last 12 months, with the latest complaint being made in April.
The first “urgent work order” was in November, and the department reportedly sent contractors on both occasions and swiftly repaired the broken gas meters.
According to the Daily Mail the contractors found the gas meter union fitting had split and the part was replaced.
Additionally, rescue efforts were impacted by a leak following the explosion and a fire which continued to burn beneath the rubble.
Cranes were called in to remove large slabs of concrete to allow rescuers to commence their effort to recover Mhey’s body.
Rescuers were lifted into the ruined building in a reinforced metal cage equipped with drills and cameras to search for air pockets and openings in the rubble.
Investigators have continued to work on a determination of the cause of the incident.
NSW Housing Minister Rose Jackson said she was “deeply concerned” to hear the issue was raised twice by residents, with her department now investigating the work requests made over the last five years.
A Homes NSW spokesperson said the department had maintained contact with residents since the incident and have offered temporary accommodation and support.
“This will continue for some time,” they told Skynews.com.au.
“Homes NSW will continue to work closely with NSW Health to support residents and community members impacted by the weekend’s events. This includes mental health and well-being support at the Mt Druitt Community Centre.
“Homes NSW continue to assist NSW Police with their inquiries. As the matter is subject to a police investigation, we are unable to provide further comment at this time.”
Skynews.com.au contacted NSW Police who said the investigation remains ongoing.