Shocking new photos of unit explosion

Shocking new footage has revealed the scale of an explosion that razed a suburban unit in Sydney’s west, as rescuers continue their desperate search.

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

A total of five people were evacuated from the building, including a woman in her sixties in a wheelchair and another woman in her sixties.

Drone footage released by Fire and Rescue NSW on Saturday night captured the devastating scale of the blast, which severely damaged nearby units.

Dozens of rescuers continued to search through the rubble as the sun set and the rain intensified, after one person was reported still missing following the blast.

In a statement, Fire and Rescue NSW said firefighters were using seismic monitoring equipment to “capture all sounds beneath the ruins”.

The reports came as a tapping sound was heard under the rubble as a large-scale search operation was underway on Saturday afternoon.

Rescuers were initially prevented from entering the units because of a major gas leak that could not be stopped.

Once isolated, firefighters were able to intensify their search and clear the rubble and used concrete cutters to clear the debris.

In doing so, the rescuers were also able to rescue a small dog from the ruins of the house, which was then taken into care on site.

A NSW Ambulance spokesman earlier said at least two people had been taken to Mt Druitt Hospital in an unknown condition following the explosion.

Two other patients are also understood to have been taken to hospital in western Sydney, but this has not yet been confirmed.

In a statement, New South Wales Police said officers were at the scene and an investigation would be launched into the explosion.

“An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the explosion has begun,” the statement said.

“Localized traffic diversions are in place. Residents and motorists are advised to avoid the area.”

FRNSW earlier said the “loud explosion” blew out windows and damaged neighbouring townhouses in the multi-unit complex.

“The gas company has failed to shut off the gas supply to the scene and is attempting to isolate the main lines,” the statement said.

“There is no fire at the moment 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 aircraft remained on scene alongside ambulance crews, including rescue teams, hazardous materials teams and ladder apparatus.

Firefighters also dispatched remote-controlled drones to conduct an aerial assessment of the blast area.

Residents took to social media after receiving reports of a loud bang in the area.

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

Others reported feeling the blast as far away as Emerton and St Clair.