The Nepali community in Australia is mourning the loss of 25-year-old international student Shiva Khatri, who tragically died following a suspected carbon monoxide leak at Haveli Indian Restaurant in Riverstone, Sydney’s northwest.
Emergency services were called to the Garfield Road restaurant on Tuesday morning after Mr Khatri, who was working as a cleaner, was found unconscious inside. Despite CPR being performed by police and paramedics, he could not be revived.
Authorities later confirmed that five police officers, along with the restaurant owner and his son who lived above the premises, were also taken to hospital in stable condition. All have since been discharged. Fire and Rescue NSW confirmed that “extremely high levels” of carbon monoxide were detected inside the building.
Mr Khatri’s sudden death has devastated his family and friends. His aunt expressed her grief on social media, writing: “I don’t know what to believe in God … I am not able to handle myself after seeing this news. Nephew, rest in peace, now you are only in our memories.”
In an earlier New Year’s Eve post, Shiva had shared his optimism for 2025, writing: “Family good. Bills paid. Bank account looking better. Healthy. No drama. Dreams coming true. Blessed. Thankful. Grateful. HAPPY NEW YEAR.”
His brother Mandip has since launched a fundraising appeal to help repatriate Shiva’s body to Nepal so that he can be laid to rest with his family. “With deep sorrow, I share that Shiva tragically lost his life yesterday morning in a workplace accident,” Mandip wrote. “We are raising funds to take Shiva’s body back to Nepal so that he can be laid to rest with his family.”
Community leaders have also expressed their grief. Blacktown City Councillor Moninder Singh, who attended the restaurant’s opening in April 2024, described the incident as “devastating.” “It’s really, really tragic — one person has lost their life and more are injured,” he said.
Federal MP Michelle Rowland also shared her condolences in a statement on social media:
“As you may know, a tragic incident took place at a local restaurant in Riverstone earlier this week. My heart goes out to the family and loved ones of Shiva Khatri, a 25-year-old student who came to Australia from Nepal to study and who has sadly lost his life. NSW Police have confirmed that all persons hospitalised, including police officers, have now been discharged. I would like to again give my sincere thanks to the brave first responders who risked their lives in the course of duty. I understand that emergency services and SafeWork NSW are continuing to investigate the incident, and I will keep the community updated if I receive any further updates. May Shiva rest in peace.”
Local MP Warren Kirby released a full statement on the day of the incident:
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death and hospitalisations in Riverstone following the gas leak at a local restaurant. My thoughts are with the family of the person who has died and with everyone affected, including first responders and their loved ones. At this stage, one member of the public and five police officers have been hospitalised. I’ve received advice that there is no ongoing risk to the wider community, with an exclusion zone established by Fire and Rescue around the site. Investigations are underway to establish the source of the gas leak. I have also asked for immediate updates from NSW Health on the status of those hospitalised. Residents should follow any directions issued by emergency services. I will keep the community updated as more information comes to hand.”
Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry confirmed there was no ongoing risk to the wider community but reminded residents of the dangers of carbon monoxide — a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas that can quickly build up in enclosed spaces when fuels do not burn completely.
SafeWork NSW has launched an investigation into the incident.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to support the repatriation process and provide financial assistance to Mr Khatri’s grieving family.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to Shiva’s family, friends, and the wider Nepali community in Australia,” a local community leader said. “May his soul rest in peace.”
