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A search is underway for a man believed to be trapped under the rubble of a partially collapsed townhouse after an explosion in Sydney’s west.
Emergency crews were called to the Waikanda Crescent home in Whalan, which collapsed after an explosion at around 12.50pm.
“There is still one person believed to be under the rubble,” NSW Fire and Rescue Service Superintendent Ross Genders said.
“Right now, all we know is that they’re alive,” Genders said.
“We’ve heard knocks and noises and that’s taken as an indicator that they’re alive.”
Five people were taken to hospital with minor injuries, including a woman in her 60s and a woman in a wheelchair in her 70s.
The five people are in stable condition.
Three were taken to Blacktown Mt Druitt Hospital and two were taken to Hawkesbury District Health Service.
Rescuers are directing their search to the back of the building, where the most debris has collapsed.
Rescuers continue the process of carefully removing the debris piece by piece.
The missing person is believed to have been on the second level of the building when the floor collapsed in the blast.
Paramedics from the intensive care unit remain on the scene.
“The large explosion blew out windows and damaged neighboring townhouses in the multi-apartment complex,” Fire and Rescue NSW said in a statement.
Police said it could take days to determine the cause of the explosion.
“There was a light, a bright light, then a boom, my kitchen window first exploded, then the ceiling collapsed,” nearby resident Walter told 9News.
“There’s glass all over my front porch, two of my bedroom windows were broken and my living room was smashed as well,” said nearby resident Leanne Ansell.
Gas supply in the area has been stopped.
Fire and Rescue NSW said the hazard was contained to the area of the collapse.
More than a dozen fire and rescue units were deployed, including HAZMAT and aerial drones.
Members of the public have been urged to avoid the scene and local traffic diversions have been put in place.
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