Fire and Rescue NSW hands collapse site over to NSW Police for investigation phase - Whalan
Published: 03 Jun 2024 03:17pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has ended its search and rescue operation after the discovery of a body today at the site of the Whalan townhouse collapse.
Much of the scene was cleared of debris after a pain-staking weekend operation involving FRNSW, Police Rescue and specialist NSW Ambulance officers.
FRNSW Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) experts propped up a dangerously-perched first floor concrete slab, using stabilising rams, as other first responders in a cage, lifted by crane, swept additional debris from above, to ensure it wouldn’t fall during the major clearance stage last night.
Using special core drills, technicians then made holes in the larger concrete slabs, that had toppled to the ground during the collapse, allowing them to insert search cameras, looking for voids and air pockets.
The slabs were then removed from the scene by crane.
That process gave the officers access under the larger rubble, resulting in the discovery of the body.
FRNSW has now formally handed control of the site to NSW Police.
Members of the FRNSW Fire Investigation and Research Unit (FIRU) will now assist Police investigators to determine the cause of Saturday’s explosion and collapse.
Media note – FRNSW footage of the final stage of the search operation is available here: https://vimeo.com/952990997/ec8c08abf0?share=copy [external link]
Updated: 03 Jun 2024 03:22pm
Related safety topics
The best way to keep you and your family safe is to prevent fires from occurring and know what to do in case of a fire.
Details about this incident may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice.
For all life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000)
For flood information, warnings or requests for non-life threatening assistance, call the SES on 132 500 or visit the NSW State Emergency Service website here. [external link].
For information directly relating to bushfires please call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or visit the NSW Rural Fire Service Website here. [external link]
Stations nearby
81 Railway Street, Mount Druitt NSW 2770
1 Marsden Road, ST Marys NSW 2760
1a Ellsworth Drive, Tregear NSW 2770