Shock detail after unit block ‘explosion’

An elderly woman in a wheelchair has been rescued after a western Sydney unit “exploded”, as firefighters desperately search for more people feared trapped inside.

Emergency services were called to Waikanda Cres in Whalan shortly before 1pm on Saturday following reports the second level of the building had “blown out”.

A Fire and Rescue NSW spokesperson said rescuers were still searching through the debris for a number people believed to be missing from the home.

Firefighters and other first responders earlier rescued a wheelchair-bound woman in her 60s and another woman aged in her 70s from the property.

A NSW Ambulance spokesperson said at least two people were taken to Mt Druitt Hospital in an unknown condition.

A further two patients were believed to have also been taken to the western Sydney hospital, but had not yet been confirmed.

In a statement, FRNSW said at the “large blast” had blown out windows and damaged neighbouring townhouses in the multi-unit complex.

“The gas company has been unable to cut off supply to the scene and is attempting to isolate the mains,” the statement said.

“There is no fire at present but the scene remains volatile and unstable.

“The public is urged to stay away from the scene while emergency operations continue.”

More than a dozen FRNSW appliances were still at the scene alongside ambulance crews, including rescue teams, hazmat crews, and ladder appliances.

Firefighters had also dispatched remotely controlled drones to make an aerial assessment of the blast zone.

Locals took to social media following reports of a loud bang in the area.

“I was in my front yard In Lethbridge Park and felt and heard this,” one local said.

Others said they felt the explosion as far away as Emerton and St Clair.

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