Explosion shatters residential building at Lidcombe in Sydney's west
Two people have been rushed to hospital after an explosion at a residential building in Sydney's west.
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.
A NSW Ambulance spokesman said crews had been on scene since just before 7am, with two people taken to hospital.
A man in his 40s was transported to Westmead Hospital in a serious condition with burns to his hands and face.
That occupant is believed to have been found unconscious by firefighters and carried from the building.
A second man, aged in his 60s, was taken to Auburn Hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.
All other residents of the complex are believed to be accounted for.
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.
Ten people self-evacuated from the unit block following the explosion.
At least four other unit blocks have been cleared as a precaution.
FRNSW are leading the response to the incident and are currently searching the building to make sure that all residents are accounted for.
A spokesperson for FRNSW 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.
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.
Emergency services are not yet aware of what caused the explosion.
Specialist rescue operators are on the scene.
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