Tragedy at Riverstone Restaurant: 25-Year-Old Cleaner Dies in Suspected Carbon Monoxide Leak

16 September 2025

 

A 25-year-old restaurant cleaner has died and several others hospitalised following a suspected gas leak at the Haveli Indian restaurant in Riverstone, on Sydney’s north-west, in a tragic incident that has left the local community reeling.

 

Emergency services were called to the venue on Garfield Road just after 9:00 am (Tuesday) after staff discovered the worker unresponsive. The cleaner, believed to be part of the overnight cleaning crew, was found by the restaurant owner and his son. Attempts at CPR were made on site by staff, then five police officers who responded. Sadly, the worker could not be revived.

 

In addition to the fatality, seven people, including five police officers and one member of the public, have been taken to hospital in stable condition after exposure.

 

Fire & Rescue NSW confirmed that extremely high levels of carbon monoxide were detected inside the two-storey building. Hazmat teams remain on site conducting further testing to determine the exact source of the leak.

 

Restaurant owner Resham Singh expressed his sorrow, saying he only learned of the tragedy when contacted by staff. Local MP Warren Kirby has also offered condolences to the family of the deceased and those affected.

 

Authorities stress that investigations are in early stages, and a coroner’s inquiry is expected to follow. In the meantime, the incident has raised urgent calls for businesses to install reliable gas detection systems and ensure proper ventilation.