One killed, three injured in shopping centre explosion
ONE man is dead and another suffered burns to 80 per cent of his body in an explosion yesterday at a Perth shopping centre.
Two others were seriously injured in the explosion at the Galleria shopping centre in Morley about 9.30am.
The explosion’s cause is unknown but lightning from a severe electrical storm has been ruled out.
An ambulance spokesman said some of the injured were electrical contractors inside a Woolworths store.
Three men were taken to Royal Perth Hospital with severe burns.
The man in a very serious condition was conscious and breathing when paramedics arrived at the centre.
“All of these people are in for a long stint in hospital,” the spokesman said.
A woman who was trying to assist the injured suffered smoke inhalation and was taken to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.
Several other people were treated for shock and smoke inhalation at the shopping centre.
A Woolworths spokeswoman said the explosion did not occur in the Woolworths stores or areas managed by Woolworths, but the store was evacuated.
“Our thoughts are with those injured as well as with the family and friends,” she said. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services cordoned off the scene yesterday and EnergySafe and WorkSafe had begun investigating the incident.