Whalan explosion: Death of Mhey Yumol Jasmin in suspected gas blast leaves mother ‘devastated’

The family of the woman found in the rubble of a western Sydney house that was wiped out by a suspected gas explosion have broken their silence on their loved one’s “tragic” death.

Officers from the search and rescue team confirmed they found a body in the rubble of the Whalan house at about 3.20am on Monday, more than 30 hours after the devastating explosion.

Mhey Yumol Jasmin, a nurse in her 30s, was visiting her mother when the explosion occurred and was feared to have been trapped in the rubble.

Police confirmed on Monday afternoon that Ms Jasmin had been formally identified as the deceased woman recovered from the scene.

Her family issued a statement via NSW Police earlier today thanking emergency services for their “tireless efforts” after the “tragic” incident.

“We especially want to thank all the police officers, NSW Fire and Rescue personnel and NSW Ambulance paramedics,” the statement read.

“The family is so appreciative of their support, kindness and assistance.

“We’d also like to thank the public for their prayers and for respecting our privacy at this tragic time.”

It is understood police are providing support to the family and the Mount Druitt community after the explosion which left five other people injured and multiple buildings damaged.

“As you can imagine, mum is devastated,” Commander Det Supt Darren Newman of Blacktown Police Area Command told reporters on Monday, adding police had been working with her since the blast.

“Obviously, we had to deliver a death message this morning. From our perspective, we will continue to provide the family with support for our family liaison network and making sure she is looked after as best we possibly can.”

Search and Rescue officers used heavy machinery, including a crane, to lift large concrete slabs and debris from the site to access the unit.

Officers found the woman’s body in the kitchen area of what they described as a “very confronting” scene.

Det Supt Newman said a coronial order had been issued and that a “comprehensive and significant” examination of the site would take place over the coming days.

Premier Chris Minns offered his condolences to the family after the “horrible tragedy” on Monday.

“I’m sorry that this has happened and I know the Minister for Housing is searching for urgent briefings about the circumstances relating to it and obviously there needs to be a detailed examination about what happened here and what went wrong,” Mr Minns told reporters.

“A young woman has lost a life and we need to make sure that all the information is on the table so that the family can understand what happened and we can prevent it from happening in the future.”

Housing Minister Rose Jackson told Nine News on Sunday that her department was investigating reports of a gas smell purportedly raised by residents at the government-owned units within the last 12 months.

Ms Jackson said she was “deeply concerned” about the reports.

“I have instructed Homes NSW to urgently investigate this matter. The Department are currently checking maintenance logs for any history of this,” she said.

She said residents would be entitled to counselling and temporary accommodation until future housing options were found.

Following the clearance of the scene NSW Police will launch an investigation into the cause of the blast which was reported being felt in residences over 40km away on Saturday afternoon.