Sydney explosion: Woman identified in fatal unit explosion as investigation continues

A woman found dead under the rubble of a collapsed unit complex has been identified as her family thanked rescue teams for their “tireless efforts” to recover her.

Mhey Yumol Jasmin, aged in her 30s, was found by rescue workers early Monday after an explosion ripped through a two-storey property in the Sydney suburb of Whalan on Saturday afternoon.

Jasmin's family thanked the police, firefighters and paramedics who helped with the search.

“We would like to thank all emergency services personnel for their tireless efforts over the past few days,” they said in a statement on Monday.

“The family is very grateful for their support, kindness and help.”

NSW Fire and Rescue Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said Jasmin's body was found in the kitchen of the home.

“We had information at the start of the incident that the young woman was in the apartment and from then on it was a case of trying to make sure we fully explored every part of the apartment. “apartment and trying to locate her,” Fewtrell said. said.

Urban search and rescue experts discovered his body after using equipment to support a large concrete slab perched perilously on the first floor. A crane lifted the rescue team members into a cage so they could sweep debris from above.

Using special drills, technicians drilled holes into large slabs of overturned concrete and inserted cameras to look for voids and air pockets.

The slabs were removed using a crane allowing searchers to access beneath the rubble where they discovered Jasmin's body.

Rescuers will continue to clear rubble over the coming days while investigating the cause of the explosion, including whether a gas leak played a role.

Housing Minister Rose Jackson confirmed her department was investigating reports that a number of local residents had smelled gas in the area in recent weeks.

“I am deeply concerned by reports from residents who have raised the issue of the smell of gas over the past 12 months,” she said.

Jackson said she had asked Homes NSW to urgently investigate the matter, with the department checking maintenance logs.

Fewtrell previously noted that there was a leak at the site after the explosion, which hampered rescue efforts.

Choking back tears, Detective Superintendent Darren Newman said the victim's mother was devastated by the loss and police had been working with her since the collapse.

“Obviously we had to deliver a death message this morning,” he said, calling the incident difficult and confronting for emergency responders.

“We’re just doing the best we can.”

Five other people were hospitalized after the explosion, which was felt in several suburbs in the city's west.

Police Commissioner Trent King said the majority of those rescued were being cared for by public housing.

Premier Chris Minns has described the state of social housing across the state as a “real concern”.