Man Rescued, Dozens Evacuated After Wall Blown Out in Explosion

A man was rescued from the rubble with serious burns.

A unit block in Lidcombe, Sydney following an unexplained explosion on June 13. Courtesy of Fire and Rescue NSW

A 44-year-old man has been rescued and two others hospitalised after a powerful explosion tore through an apartment complex in Lidcombe, in Sydney’s west, on the morning of June 13.

The blast, which occurred just before 6.30 a.m. at a three-storey unit block on Clarence Street, prompted a large-scale emergency response, with more than 50 Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) firefighters, 16 trucks, and NSW Police attending the scene.

Firefighters arrived to find a section of the building’s brick wall blown out and debris strewn across the area.

One car was crushed by falling rubble, and several adjoining apartments sustained visible damage. The explosion appeared to originate from a second-floor unit, causing significant structural harm.

“We are not sure at this stage how this explosion has occurred,” said FRNSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry. “There is no fire.”

Man Trapped in Rubble, Residents Evacuated

Emergency crews located a man trapped under rubble inside the building.

He was rescued from the second-floor unit and treated at the scene for serious injuries, including burns to his hands and face, before being transported to Westmead Hospital in a serious condition.

Another man in his 60s was taken to Auburn Hospital for smoke inhalation.

NSW Ambulance Authorities assessed seven people at the scene. Approximately 40 residents from the damaged building and surrounding units were evacuated as a precaution. Some residents self-evacuated, while others were assisted or ordered out due to structural concerns.

NSW Police Superintendent Robert Toynton said it was “very lucky” there wasn’t a fatality. He confirmed 24 apartments had been cleared out for safety reasons.

Stability Checks Underway, Cause Remains Unknown

Specialist FRNSW Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams remain on site, using laser equipment to monitor building movement. Engineers are working alongside firefighters to ensure that the structure remains stable.

By late morning, residents from unaffected parts of the complex were allowed to return to their homes.

However, the six units directly impacted by the explosion remain off-limits due to structural integrity issues. An evacuation centre has been established for those unable to return home.

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation. Authorities confirmed some pets remained inside the building, and safety concerns for emergency crews persist.