Husband of Rozelle blast victim says she was an 'inspiration to all'

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/08/husband-rozelle-blast-victim-says-she-was-an-inspiration

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The husband of the woman killed in an explosion in Sydney on Thursday says she was an “inspiration to all who knew her”.

John O’Brien said on Sunday his wife Bianka was preparing to enter the next phase of her life by caring full-time for her baby boy Jude, who also died in the blast.

Bianka O’Brien and Jude, along with neighbour Chris Noble, were killed in the early hours of Thursday morning when an explosion ripped through a convenience store in the inner-west suburb of Rozelle.

“Bianka and I were together for eight years, married for two, and to say she was the love of my life is an understatement,” John O’Brien said in a statement.

“I can’t believe how quickly those eight years have flown by but they have definitely been the best years of my life.

“Bianka was an inspiration to all who knew her – she was loyal, caring and absolutely loved life.”

Jude was just discovering the world around him, O’Brien said.

“He was a perfect baby and never stopped smiling.

“Everything was exciting to him and he was just a joy to be around. He made everyone smile.”

O’Brien and Bianka’s father Bill thanked the community, police and emergency service for their support, and extended their sympathy to Noble’s family.

At a public meeting in neighbouring Balmain on Sunday, police told residents there was little risk of airborne asbestos exposure from the wreckage following days of wet weather in Sydney.

The exclusion zone has been reduced along the busy commercial and residential street between Victoria Road and Merton Street.

A frantic two-day search for survivors ended on Friday when the bodies of Bianka and Jude were carried out from the charred wreckage of the convenience store and apartments.

The devastated site of the blast is now a crime scene.

Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage with Strike Force Baracchi launched to investigate the fire.

Police have still to speak with the convenience store owner, who is in a serious condition in hospital after emergency services had to dig him out of the debris by hand.

Reports of a car fleeing the area after the explosion are being investigated.