The owner of a convenience store, destroyed in an explosion in the Sydney suburb of Rozelle, is expected to be charged today with three counts of murder.

Adeel Khan, 44, has been recovering in Royal Prince Alfred Hospital since the blast nearly three weeks ago.

Strike Force Baracchi was established by detectives from the Property Crime Squad’s Arson Unit to investigate the fire, according to police media.

Police allege the fire was deliberately lit, leading strike force detectives to arest the man early on Tuesday morning.





The explosion and fire, that destroyed the store and adjoining units, killed Bianka O'Brien, her baby son Jude and their neighbour Chris Noble.

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Bianka and Jude O'Brien lost their lives in the Rozelle blast. Photo: Supplied





Last week, Ms O'Brien, 31, and her son remained united, their bodies buried together in a white coffin.

About 400 people filled St Joseph's Catholic Church at Rozelle for the funeral service. Many stood on the church steps.

A large group of police from the Leichhardt area command and firefighters attended the service and formed an honour guard as the hearse left the church.

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Friends and community farewell Bianka and Jude O'Brien. Photo: 7News





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Ms O'Brien's father, Bill, sobbed as he told the gathering no words could describe how the family felt.

He said Ms O'Brien had been a loving daughter, sister and mother, and Jude had been forever smiling.

His one question, he said, was "Why?".

More to come.