Explosion shatters residential building at Lidcombe in Sydney’s west

A newly released video shows the inside of a unit shattered by an explosion that injured seven people, including two who were hospitalised.

A shocking video has shown the inside of the second floor unit shattered by an explosion that left two hospitalised in Sydney’s west.

The startling vision shows the double-brick wall that was blown apart, and the debris-stricken state of the apartment complex.

Emergency services swarmed the property on Clarence St in Lidcombe shortly after 6.30am on Friday following reports of a loud blast at the building.

More than 50 firefighters and 16 trucks responded to the explosion, quickly working to stabilise the scene.

Seven people were treated at the scene by paramedics, with two swiftly hospitalised.

The cause of the explosion is under investigation.

Dozens of residents were evacuated. Picture: NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

A major rescue operation is under way after an explosion blew apart the wall of a unit in Sydney. Picture: 9News,

A man in his 40s was transported to Westmead Hospital in a serious condition with burns to his hands and face.

That occupant was found unconscious by firefighters trapped in rubble on the second floor where the explosion occurred.

The explosion has blown out part of the wall. Picture: NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

Two men have been taken to hospital for treatment after the explosion. Picture: NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

A second man, aged in his 60s, was taken to Auburn Hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.

Authorities have since confirmed the man is conscious and talking to detectives.

All other residents of the complex are believed to be accounted for, and it is understood that at least seven people were treated at the scene.

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Superintendent Adam Dewberry told reporters efforts would soon begin to recover pets and essential items including medication from the building.

Engineering assessments are under way and residents of the neighbouring apartment blocks have been permitted to return to their homes.

However, occupants of the six units in the same building as the shattered unit cannot return due to structural integrity issues.

Emergency teams attend the scene of the explosion. Picture: NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

About 40 people were evacuated from the unit block and surrounding buildings following the explosion.

An evacuation centre was set up nearby at Burella Community Centre.

An update is expected be provided about noon midday as to when residents can return.

FRNSW have searched the building to make sure that all residents are accounted for.

Emergency crews quickly responded to contain the situation. Picture: NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

A major rescue operation is under way after a gas explosion blew apart the wall of a unit in Sydney. Picture: 9News,

A FRNSW spokesperson confirmed that the explosion occurred in a unit on the second floor of the three-storey complex.

The double-brick wall of that unit and the adjoining unit was blown out.

Images from the scene show a car crushed with its back window shattered from the falling bricks.

Bricks and other debris were sent flying in the blast. Picture: NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

Authorities are still working to determine what caused the explosion. Picture: NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

Gas and power have been turned off at the scene to minimise any risk of further damage, and there is no fire currently at the scene.

Specialist technicians remain on scene, using laser monitoring equipment to detect any movement within the building.

Engineers are working with FRNSW to ensure the site remains stable.

Originally published as Explosion shatters residential building at Lidcombe in Sydney’s west