Firefighters search rubble of Whalan collapse as one person reported missing - Whalan
Published: 01 Jun 2024 07:10pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have begun clearing rubble at the scene of an explosion and building collapse today at Whalan, in Sydney’s west.
The blast, in Waikanda Crescent, rocked the neighbourhood, just before 1pm today, levelling most of a two-storey townhouse.
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.
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 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.
Media Note – FRNSW Drone footage of the scene is available here: https://vimeo.com/952580752/1a65e11590?share=copy [external link]
Updated: 01 Jun 2024 07:13pm
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]
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