Residents of a community left shocked after a house explosion killed a trainee nurse have claimed the neighborhood had smelled of gas for years.
The explosion occurred on the second level of a government-owned seniors housing complex on Waikanda Crescent in Whalan, in western Sydney, about 1pm on June 1.
The explosion killed Mhey Yumol Jasmin, a 30-year-old trainee nurse, who was visiting her mother, Mercy, at the time of the explosion.
Her body was found two days later in what was believed to be the kitchen area of her mother’s unit.
It has been revealed that tenants have complained to the Department of Housing about the smell of gas twice in the last 12 months, most recently in April.
The explosion occurred on the second level of a government-owned seniors’ housing complex on Waikanda Crescent in Whalan, western Sydney, and reduced the house to rubble.
The explosion killed Mhey Yumol Jasmin, a 30-year-old trainee nurse, who was visiting her mother, Mercy, at the time of the explosion.
The department says that on both occasions contractors were sent to the home immediately and repaired the broken gas meters.
In November, a resident reported smelling gas while the supplier was servicing the property and repairing a broken meter.
Five months later, a tenant again reported a gas smell and a maintenance company responded to an “urgent work order.”
Residents of Aitape Crescent, Whalan, just a few hundred meters from the destroyed house, said they were living in fear after the deadly explosion.
Talia, a local woman who lives around the corner from the housing complex with her young family, explained that she has banned her little Lincoln from playing outside.
Talia explained that the smell of gas is “bad” and is something she notices every time she leaves her house.
After the explosion, the concerned mother received a text message from NSW Housing asking locals to report the gas leaks.
“You’re literally supposed to have an explosion happen in a house for them to do something about the gas leaks,” Talia said. A current issue.
“It could be that no one cares about Mt Druitt because everyone thinks everyone is a bum, but actually not everyone is a bum.”
Talia (right), who lives with her young family just a few hundred meters from the house, was concerned that a fatal explosion would be necessary for action to be taken.
Tanya (pictured), who also lives in the area with her family, described the smell of gas as “pungent” and that she had noticed it in the neighborhood for about six years.
Tanya, who also lives in the area with her family, described the gas smell as “pungent” and that she had noticed it in the neighborhood for about six years.
Tanya had previously complained about the smell but said the lack of response to residents’ concerns was “typical”.
“Typical houses around here, so nothing is done,” Tanya said.
Local resident and father Jake said he has smelled gas every day since moving to the suburb nine months ago.
Jake added that his biggest concern was the families living in the area and the children playing outside.
‘I definitely don’t want another house to blow up, especially with all the kids and stuff.
“They have kids, we have kids, kids coming for the weekend and everything… so something definitely needs to be done about it.”
NSW Housing Minister Rose Jackson said it was “completely unacceptable” that residents were living in fear following the house explosion.
Ms Jackson said she was “deeply concerned” to learn that residents had complained about the smell of gas and had ordered Homes NSW to investigate the matter.
“I know Homes NSW prioritizes the safety of its residents at all times and has arranged for the maintenance contractor… to urgently investigate,” Jackson wrote in a statement.
‘The Department is currently reviewing maintenance records for any history of this. “Our priority is for this search to be exhaustive and we will have more to say in the coming days.”
Ms Jackson urged residents with maintenance requests, including those related to gas, to contact the maintenance line immediately on 1800 422 322.
He added that temporary accommodation was being arranged for residents who needed relocation, and Homes NSW was also developing a plan to move locals into permanent or long-term housing.
Relocation costs, including packing, moving and unpacking, will also be covered, and residents will also have the option to return once reconstruction is complete.
Whalan resident and father Jake (pictured) said his biggest concern was children playing outside accompanied by the smell of gas every day.
Tenants at the housing complex had complained to the Housing Department about the smell of gas twice in the past 12 months before the explosion.
Homes NSW said reports of gas recorded on its maintenance line were being investigated and a contractor was called to the area on Tuesday to assess the matter.
“In the wake of the events in Whalan, we recognize this is incredibly distressing for all residents,” Homes NSW said in a statement.
‘We know there have been failings in the way maintenance has been approached in the past and it is our job to fix that, for now and in the future and that is why we are reviewing the current system to ensure a better outcome for our residents. ‘
Homes NSW is currently compiling a list of work applications made for the social housing building over the past five years.
Rescue efforts following the explosion were hampered due to a gas leak, and investigators must investigate whether any leaks played a role in the explosion.
The huge explosion was heard several streets away and shattered the windows of neighboring buildings. Five other people were rushed to hospital.
Another 12 people from surrounding homes were evacuated, causing damage to homes and apartment buildings.
Police Superintendent Trent King said most of the tenants involved in the explosion were in state care.
Mhey’s distraught mother, Mercy, who had kept a vigil across the street to closely monitor the search efforts, told neighbors she had reported the smell of gas in the building and on the street in recent years. months.
Homes NSW said reports of a gas smell recorded on its maintenance line were being investigated.
Pictured are floral tributes laid at the site of the June 1 explosion in western Sydney.
Mercy had left the property momentarily and when she returned she found the building completely destroyed and her daughter missing.
His daughter’s body. was discovered in the kitchen after cranes were used to remove heavy concrete slabs.
Rescuers were then taken to the house in a metal cage and used drills and cameras to look for gaps and air pockets in the rubble.
Ms Mhey, who was training to be a nurse, was discovered under the rubble by search teams.
Detective Superintendent Darren Newman said officers broke the heartbreaking news to Mhey’s mother shortly after emergency services made the tragic discovery.
“As you can imagine, Mom is devastated,” Superintendent Newman said.
“We will continue to support the family through our family liaison network and ensure they receive the best possible care.”