By Miriah Davis
Copyright abc
One person has died and several others, including police officers, have received medical treatment after a gas leak at a restaurant in north-west Sydney.
Emergency services responded to reports of a gas leak at a venue on the corner of Garfield Road and Railway Terrace in Riverstone about 9:15am on Tuesday.
One member of the public and five police officers were taken to hospital in a stable condition.
Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry said one person was pulled from the building unresponsive.
CPR was attempted but the person could not be revived, Superintendent Dewberry said.
“It was obvious to the first arriving emergency services the air quality was compromised,” he said.
Carbon monoxide ‘a strong line of interest’
Superintendent Dewberry said the area had been cordoned off as specialist firefighters worked to determine the source of the leak and what products were contaminating the air.
“The air quality of the whole building — two levels — has been compromised, a lot of the oxygen has been pushed out,” he said.
“At this stage, carbon monoxide is a strong line of interest but we’re also looking for other gases that could be in and around.”
Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby said he was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death and hospitalisations.
“My thoughts are with the family of the person who has died and with everyone affected, including first responders and their loved ones,” he said.
Mr Kirby confirmed one member of the public and five police officers had been hospitalised.
“I’ve received advice that there is no ongoing risk to the wider community, with an exclusion zone established by Fire and Rescue around the site,” he said.
“I have also asked for immediate updates from NSW Health on the status of those hospitalised.
“Residents should follow any directions issued by emergency services. I will keep the community updated as more information comes to hand.”
Specialist doctors, intensive care paramedics and a helicopter were also called in to help treat patients.
Footage from the scene showed several emergency vehicles outside the venue, with fire crews dressed in heavy protective gear and breathing apparatuses.
Paramedics are standing by until the area is declared safe.
A police investigation remains underway.
