Sydney restaurant gas leak tragedy leaves one dead, seven hospitalized, probe launched; what do we know so far

In a tragic incident, a youth was killed and seven others, including police officers, were rushed to hospital following a gas leak at a restaurant in north-west Sydney.

Following the incident, emergency services rushed to Haveli Restaurant in Riverstone about 9:15 am on Tuesday (September 16, 2025), and responding officers discovered that a man was unresponsive and attempted resuscitation, according to ABC News Australia. Despite all the efforts, officers failed to save the man as he eventually died.

According to police, the restaurant owner and his son discovered the man on the ground floor and called triple-0. Speaking about the deceased man, NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Gavin Wood said that early indications suggested he was employed at the restaurant as a cleaner.


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

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) said that six people were evacuated from residential apartments above the restaurant, but were not affected by the leak. An investigation was launched into the matter to ascertain the exact reason behind the incident.

"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, as quoted by ABC News Australia.

He said they had all now been shifted to hospital and treated for "some sort of effects as a result of the odour that has been located within the restaurant area". Assistant Commissioner Wood said CPR was performed before emergency services arrived. "We believe they are very shaken up and again have been taken to hospital," he was quoted by ABC Australia as saying.

Youth was unresponsive, say officials

FRNSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry revealed that the 25-year-old was pulled from the building unresponsive. "It was obvious to the first arriving emergency services the air quality was compromised," he said.

The area was cordoned off as specialist firefighters worked to determine the source of the leak and what products were contaminating the air. According to ABC, specialist doctors, intensive care paramedics and a helicopter were also called in to help treat patients. Paramedics are standing by until the area is declared safe.