One dead, several injured after suspected gas leak at Sydney restaurant
Emergency crews responded to a suspected carbon monoxide leak at Haveli Indian in Riverstone; one member of the public and five police officers were hospitalised
One person has died and several others were injured after a suspected gas leak at a restaurant in Sydney's north‑west on Tuesday morning, authorities said.
Emergency services were called to the Haveli Indian restaurant at the corner of Garfield Road and Railway Terrace in Riverstone about 9:15 a.m. local time. One member of the public and five police officers were taken to Blacktown Hospital, and another person received treatment at the scene, NSW Ambulance said.
NSW Ambulance said the gas involved is suspected to be carbon monoxide. Firefighters wearing hazardous materials suits, specialist doctors, intensive care paramedics and a rescue helicopter attended the scene, officials said. Police secured the area while emergency personnel carried out triage and treatment.
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that can be lethal at high concentrations; exposure can cause symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea and loss of consciousness. Because it is not detectable by smell, first responders commonly use protective gear and gas detection equipment when a leak is suspected.
Authorities did not immediately provide the identity of the person who died or details about the injured patients' conditions. A police spokesperson said investigations into the cause of the leak were under way and that specialised teams would examine the premises to determine the source of the gas.
Local hospitals treated those taken from the scene. Crews worked to make the area safe before allowing building access. There were no immediate indications of wider community risk, and police advised residents to avoid the immediate vicinity while the response continued.
The incident prompted a rapid multi‑agency response typical of suspected carbon monoxide events, involving ambulance, fire and rescue services and law enforcement. Officials said they would release further information as investigations progress and as families of those affected are notified.
Emergency services and local authorities remained at the scene into Tuesday afternoon as they completed their examinations. Further updates were expected as forensic and gas safety investigators assessed the restaurant and any equipment that could have contributed to the leak.