One dead, seven hospitalised after gas leak at Sydney restaurant   

September 16 2025
ABC News

In short:
A 25-year-old man has died and several others are receiving medical treatment after a gas leak at a restaurant in Sydney's north-west.

Fire and Rescue NSW said "extremely high levels" of carbon monoxide were detected at the scene.

Hazmat response specialists have declared the scene safe and air quality samples will undergo further testing.


A 25-year-old man has died and seven others, including police officers, have been hospitalised after a gas leak at a restaurant in north-west Sydney.

Emergency services were called to Haveli Restaurant in Riverstone about 9:15am on Tuesday after reports of a concern for welfare from the owner of the premises.

Two people were pulled from the building, one of whom was unresponsive and could not be revived, according to Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW).

Aerial image of two fire trucks and an ambulance surrounded by officers on a street
NSW Ambulance said the gas was suspected to be carbon monoxide. (ABC News)

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Gavin Wood said early indications suggested the deceased was employed at the restaurant as a cleaner.

"At that time the five police officers have attempted CPR on that male, to the point where they felt there was something a little amiss in terms of the environment they were in, including an odour," Assistant Commissioner Wood said.


Police said a cleaning contractor discovered the man on the ground floor and had called triple-0.

Assistant Commissioner Wood said CPR was performed before emergency services arrived.

He said the five officers and two other people — believed to be associated with the cleaning contractor business — were taken to hospital for medical treatment.

"We believe they are very shaken up and again have been taken to hospital,"  he said.

Assistant Commissioner Gavin Wood said the officers were giving the man CPR.

FRNSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry added the 25-year-old was pulled from the building unconscious and unresponsive.

"It was obvious to the first arriving emergency services the air quality was compromised," he said.

'Extremely high levels' of carbon monoxide
Chief Superintendent Jeff Hogan from FRNSW said "extremely high levels" of carbon monoxide were detected at the venue.

"Our firefighters are continuing to undertake advanced testing using our hazardous material testing equipment," he said.

"As soon as we are able to identify a source or a potential cause, we will work closely with NSW Police."

Emergency crew huddle together outdoors with tape visible
The area was cordoned off on Tuesday.

Earlier, Superintendent Dewberry said specialist fire crews were also looking for other hazardous gases.

"The air quality of the whole building — two levels — has been compromised, a lot of the oxygen has been pushed out," he said.

FRNSW said six people were evacuated from residential apartments above the restaurant, but were not affected by the leak.

The scene was cordoned off while hazmat specialists carried out a suite of gas and atmospheric detectors to measure air quality.

FRNSW declared the area safe on Tuesday afternoon and are assisting police with their investigation.

Restaurant owner in 'shock'
Resham Singh said he had only bought the Riverstone business in April last year.

"This is shocking news for me," he said.

"It's so bad, I'm feeling so sad as well."
A man stands outside a restaurant where a deadly gas leak took place
Resham Singh says he's in shock having only bought the business in Riverstone last year.

Mr Singh said the cleaning contractor usually did a walk-through of the premises in the morning.

He said his three chefs lived above the restaurant and escaped unharmed.

"This is so sad for the family," Mr Singh said.

Investigation remains underway
emergency vehicles outside a venue in sydney
Firefighters and paramedics remain at the scene as hazmat crews work to determine where the gas leak is coming from.

Member for Riverstone, Warren Kirby, said he was deeply saddened to learn of the death and hospitalisations.

"My thoughts are with the family of the person who has died and with everyone affected, including first responders and their loved ones," he said.

"I have also asked for immediate updates from NSW Health on the status of those hospitalised.

"Residents should follow any directions issued by emergency services. I will keep the community updated as more information comes to hand."

Specialist doctors, intensive care paramedics and a helicopter were also called in to help treat patients.