Fatal Rozelle explosion: accelerant found in remains of shop, say reports
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Version 0 of 1. Accelerant has reportedly been found in the remains of a Sydney shop destroyed by an explosion that killed three people, but police have ruled out the involvement of a silver sedan. Bianka O’Brien, 31, her one-year-old son Jude and neighbour Chris Noble, 27, died during the explosion and subsequent fire that destroyed a convenience store and adjoining units in Rozelle. Fairfax Media have reported police had found traces of accelerant at the scene. But a police spokesman from State Crime Command would not confirm accelerant had been found. “I understand that’s the report, but I have no comment,” the spokesman said. “They have ruled out the car seen speeding away.” Detectives spoke to convenience store owner Adeel Khan in hospital on the weekend. Khan, 44, has been in a serious condition at Royal Prince Alfred hospital since emergency services dug him out of the debris by hand in the early hours of last Thursday. He was in the shop when it caught fire at around 4am. Most residents in the grieving community will be allowed to return to their homes after an exclusion zone was reduced on Monday. Police say it is safe for residents to return. “The results of the clearance inspection, air monitoring, settled dust and soil sampling indicate the area does not pose a risk to health and safety from exposure to asbestos and can be re-occupied,” police said. Parts of Darling street will remain closed to vehicles between Victoria road and Beattie street. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage with Strike Force Baracchi launched to investigate the fire. On Sunday, O’Brien’s husband John issued a statement describing his wife as “an inspiration to all who knew her”. “She was loyal, caring and absolutely loved life.” Jude was just discovering the world around him, John O’Brien said. “He was a perfect baby and never stopped smiling,” he said. |