Emergency.Blog

Explosion and Fire Reported in Shop Below Apartment Building in Sydney

02/04/2008 - 00:17:57 AM CST

Explosion and Fire Reported in Shop Below Apartment Building in Sydney

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: Police and fire officials are investigating an explosion and fire that occurred in the Quadrant Building apartment complex in Ultimo. Hundreds of people had to be evacuated following the incident in or near a Nando's Chicken shop.

Initial reports suggest that at least two and maybe three people have been injured in the incident. Their condition, at local hospitals is not presently known. The situation reportedly occurred at about 01:20am (AEDT).

The explosion did not appear to be "high order," although forensic examination of the area has not been accomplished at the time of this report. Numerous fire and police officials were sent to the scene. The gas and electric companies were also called to the scene of the incident to help with determining the cause of the blast.

A so-far unconfirmed reports from Sydney says that "Police suspect the blast may be linked to an armed robbery that happened at the chicken shop last night."

Watch Emergency.Blog for more on this emerging story...as circumstances warrant.