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- Fire and Rescue NSW deploys drone to assess structural stability after explosion at alleged clandestine drug lab – VIDEO – confirming video link – Chester Hill
Published: 09 May 2024 01:01pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have used a high-tech Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS), or drone, to assess the stability of an alleged clandestine drug lab, rocked by an explosion at Chester Hill, in Sydney’s south-west.
The explosion in the two-storey house in Curtis Road occurred around 1am yesterday morning (Wednesday 8 May).
FRNSW crews rushed to the home and extinguished a small fire before handing the scene to NSW Police.
Authorities believe a cooking keg exploded and penetrated the ground floor and first floor ceilings before breaking through the roof, where it came to rest.
Upon further examination of the property, FRNSW’s Aviation Unit has assisted Police by deploying a special RPAS, capable of flying in confined spaces.
Streaming footage back to FRNSW and Police Commanders outside, the drone has confirmed the property is structurally unstable for investigators and engineers to enter, to begin shoring up and processing the crime scene.
At the same time, FRNSW deployed an aerial ladder platform, capable of extending up to 37m in the air, allowing firefighters and police to retrieve the cooking vessel on the roof of the property.
Police investigations into the matter are continuing.
Media note – FRNSW drone footage is available here: https://vimeo.com/944259598/3b4fe2ce5c?share=copy [external link]
