Exclusion zone at Rozelle blast site reduced as criminal probe continues
The exclusion zone around the site of a deadly explosion and fire in inner-Sydney will be reduced while police continue their criminal investigation into the tragedy that claimed three lives.
Bianka O'Brien, 31, her 12-month-old son, Jude, and 27-year-old Chris Noble were killed in the explosion on Thursday morning that also destroyed shops and a unit block at Rozelle.
The owner of a street-level convenience store, Adeel Khan, remained in intensive care at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital after being found trapped inside the shop under a fridge.
Local police said the asbestos risk at the site was low, and they would reduce the exclusion zone around the blast site to help local businesses that had remained closed since Thursday.
"Immediately after the explosion, an assessment in terms of asbestos risk was conducted by Hazmat," Inspector Gary Coffey of Leichhardt police said.
"They determined that the risk was very low.
"Asbestos removal is clearly one of the issues we need to manage in terms of the site itself and the demolition of an adjacent building, and tomorrow there will be experts on hand to provide advice to the community in relation to asbestos management."
A public meeting would be held at Balmain Town Hall on Sunday at 10am to answer questions on asbestos and the exclusion zone.
"As we're all aware, this has been a delicate and sensitive situation, and it's been a very complex situation," Inspector Coffey said.
"There are a number of hazards associated with the site that we are working through, and it's obviously not a safe work site in itself, and that's why an exclusion zone will need to remain."
Steve Isaac, an electrics store owner on Darling Street, said the exclusion zone had seriously affected his business.
"Because it's a crime scene and the street is closed off, it's hard to get deliveries in and out and we've had a lot of cancellations," Mr Isaac said.
"Most of us along here have had to stay shut. Normally, Saturday is a very busy day for us, and there's usually a market in the school with lots of people, but that's closed as well."
Tragedy takes toll on police officers
Inspector Coffey said the tragedy has taken its toll on all police officers involved in the case.
"This is certainly the worst tragedy that I've had to deal with," Inspector Coffey said.
"It's a very difficult time for the police, particularly for the young police involved in this matter.
"Although we have support services available to them, it is, of course, a very traumatic incident that they have responded to."
The NSW Police Arson Squad is leading the investigation into the cause of the explosion.
