From Mr T. Bonello

I refer to the article entitled Fireworks victims left uncovered (TMIS, 10 July). We investigated this case with the following results:

The bodies were brought to the mortuary by police hearse on 4 July. Due to the unfortunate consequences leading to their death, a magisterial inquiry was ordered that, as part of the investigation, includes a post mortem (PM).

As the bodies had been brought after normal working hours, a security officer was called to open the mortuary for the cadavers to be placed inside.

The date of the PM examination was scheduled for the next day. On the day of the PM the bodies were placed in situ in the autopsy room for the relatives, appointed by the police as witnesses, to confirm their identity.

Following the PM examination the bodies were prepared for the funeral service. Special arrangements were made in view of the injuries sustained by the deceased.

On 6 July the bodies were placed in coffins and transferred to the viewing cubicles.

The faces of the deceased were only uncovered at the specific request of relatives. Funeral services were held on 7 July.

The deceased were not left uncovered at any time when in the mortuary viewing rooms.

Unfortunately one cannot always distinguish whether visitors are relatives or not. While every effort is made to control entrance by the general public, such viewing is sometimes beyond the full control of the staff at the mortuary.

Tonio Bonello

Head Information/Communications

St Luke’s, Sir Paul Boffa, Mater Dei Hospitals