A massive explosion and subsequent fire has completely destroyed a home in the Perth suburb of Bentley, with authorities now searching for one person who remains unaccounted for.
Chaotic Scene on Stannard Street
Emergency services were called to a property on Stannard Street just after 2:30 PM on Thursday afternoon. Reports indicate the incident began with a significant explosion before flames rapidly engulfed the residence. Firefighters from multiple stations, including Welshpool and Perth, rushed to the scene to confront the intense blaze.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) confirmed that one person is currently missing following the catastrophic event. A search and rescue operation is actively underway as crews work to make the unstable structure safe enough to enter. The cause of the initial explosion is not yet known and will be the subject of a thorough investigation.
Emergency Response and Community Impact
The firefighting effort was substantial, with crews employing multiple jets of water to control and eventually extinguish the fire. The damage, however, was total. The single-storey home has been described as "completely destroyed" by a DFES spokesperson. The force of the blast and the intensity of the heat also caused damage to a neighbouring property, highlighting the sheer power of the incident.
Stannard Street was closed to traffic as emergency personnel established a large exclusion zone for public safety. Residents in the immediate vicinity were advised to stay inside, close their doors and windows, and turn off air conditioning systems to avoid smoke inhalation. The community watched on as black smoke billowed into the sky, a visible marker of the disaster unfolding in their neighbourhood.
Ongoing Investigations and Next Steps
With the fire now out, the focus shifts to the painstaking process of searching the rubble for the missing individual and determining what led to this tragedy. Investigators from the WA Police Arson Squad and other relevant authorities will comb through the wreckage once it is declared structurally sound.
The explosion and fire on Stannard Street has left a family devastated and a community in shock. As the recovery operation continues, questions about the cause and the fate of the missing person remain at the forefront. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the sudden and devastating nature of residential fires and explosions.
