Trainee nurse killed in Sydney home explosion identified (2024)

The trainee nurse killed in a house explosion in Sydney's west has been identified as Mhey Yumol Jasmin.

Jasmin, aged in her 30s, was left unaccounted for after an explosion caused the house to collapse at Waikanda Crescent in Whalan about 12.50pm on Saturday.

Police confirmed her body had been found at about 3.20am today.

They have since confirmed her identity.

NSW Police Detective Superintendent Darren Newman and Fire and Rescue Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell earlier said her body had been found in the kitchen area of the house.

"We had information to indicate at the start of the incident that the young lady was in the apartment and from that point on it was a matter of trying to make sure we fully explored every part of the apartment and try to locate her," Fewtrell said.

Jasmin is understood to be a trainee nurse who had been visiting her mother, who remained at the ruins keeping vigil, praying for news and being looked after by neighbours throughout the search.

Newman said the mother was "devastated" and that police continued to work with the family.

"We would like to thank all of the emergency services personnel for their tireless efforts over the past few days," the family said in a statement released by NSW Police.

"We especially want to thank all the police officers, NSW Fire and Rescue personnel and NSW Ambulance paramedics.

"The family is so appreciative of their support, kindness and assistance.

"We'd also like to thank the public for their prayers and for respecting our privacy at this tragic time."

Reports of 'gas leak smell' in months before explosion

Andrew's grandfather was one of five people hospitalised after the explosion at the government-owned units.

He told 9News there was "always a gas leak smell" at the building.

Housing Minister Rose Jackson confirmed her department was investigating the report.

"I am deeply concerned to hear of accounts from residents who reportedly raised the issue of the smell of gas within the last 12 months," she said.

"I have instructed Homes NSW to urgently investigate this matter. The Department are currently checking maintenance logs for any history of this."

In the meantime, Jackson said all residents would receive counselling and temporary accommodation until future housing options are identified.

"Tenants will have the option to be relocated to alternative housing with the option to return to the site after reconstruction," she said.

"Relocation costs (packing, moving, and unpacking) will also be provided."

Investigation underway

With Jasmin's body found, the search and rescue operation will end and forensic examiners will now move in to determine the cause of the blast.

There have been a number of small spot fires underneath parts of the debris, which hindered the rescue operation yesterday.

"There's been a range of complications throughout the operation, we had a gas leak early on which took a significant amount of time to shut down," Fewtrell told reporters yesterday.

"There was also a fire underneath the rubble in the collapsed area and from time to time that's been flaring up, they've been unable to reach the fire directly due to the debris."

Newman said gas supply and maintenance to the building would be part of the investigation.

He said police would likely process the site for up to 72 hours.

Police superintendent Trent King said the majority of the people who were rescued were under the care of state housing.

"This is a very confronting scene for all emergency personnel that are inside at the moment working in there," he said.

"The amount of work that's been done by all emergency services over the last 18 hours has been remarkable, particularly considering the weather conditions and the level of destruction behind us."

Carol, a resident at the townhouse, had been inside when it exploded and took shelter underneath a door frame. 

"All ofsudden there was this loud explosion and everything started to come down," she told 9News.

"I couldn't get out, there was no stairwell."

Walter, another resident inside the complex, made it out in time.

"There was a light, a bright light, then boom, my kitchen window blew out first, then the ceiling collapsed", he told 9News.

While Leanne Ansell, who lives two doors down from the townhouse was also impacted.

"There's glass all over my verandah, two of my bedroom windows were smashed out, and my lounge room was smashed as well," she said.

Police have said that it could take days to determine the cause of the explosion.

"The large blast blew out windows and damaged neighbouring townhouses in the multi-apartment complex," Fire and Rescue NSW said in a statement.

Initially, a gas leak had prevented rescuers from entering the ruins, but the gas supply to the area has since been cut off.

Fire and Rescue NSW said the danger had been isolated to the area of the collapse.

More than a dozen units were deployed including HAZMAT and aerial drone units.

Members of the public have been urged to avoid the scene, and local traffic diversions are in place.