Search operation continues for woman trapped in rubble following explosion in Whalan townhouse complex in Sydneys west [Video]

The search operation for a woman, trapped in the rubble of her townhouse in Sydney’s west following an explosion, has continued overnight.

But the Fire & Rescue NSW commissioner admits it would be “very challenging” for someone to have survived the blast.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Sydney townhouse explosion.

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Rescue crews searched through the night for the woman in the collapsed townhouse complex on Waikanda Cres in Whalan, following the explosion just before 1pm on Saturday.

The blast levelled most of the two-storey home, blowing out windows and damaging a neighbouring townhouse.

It was heard several suburbs away and destroyed a two-storey townhouse in the social housing complex for over 55s, causing “widespread damage” to neighbouring properties in the complex.

Five people were treated for minor injuries following the blast, including two …