Tenants' Union mourns with family and residents in Whalan

The Tenants’ Union of NSW is deeply saddened to hear of the explosion in public housing at Waikanda Crescent in Whalan over the weekend, and the passing of Mhey Yumol Jasmin.

Our thoughts go out to Mhey Yumol’s mother Mercy and her family, as well as the other 6 individuals injured in the explosion and all residents. We know this tragedy will have deeply distressed many people in the local community.

The explosion is thought to be the result of a gas leak and while the exact cause needs to be further investigated, it is deeply concerning to hear of reports of residents raising the issue of the smell of gas previously. All renters should be safe in their homes. All renters should be able to raise maintenance concerns and have those concerns attended to. This requires all providers, whether public or private, to be reliable and accountable in the way they approach building safety and maintenance.

Thank you to all emergency services involved in rescue at the homes, and to the counsellors and support staff who are now assisting the residents and families affected.