Tragically, a third person has died in Zebbug as a result of a fireworks explosion in the last six weeks. Another was very seriously injured in the same incident.

The result? A widow, and three young children under 12 without a father.

“Friendly Fire” has had more than its share of deaths and catastrophic injuries over the last 30 years here in Zebbug.

Will this carnage ever end?

I am Maltese and extremely proud of my nationality. However, as a former British Army Medical Officer, I begin to despair.

I served in numerous barracks and bases for 27 years. We had nuclear warheads and much more powerful explosives than these fireworks. They could have killed thousands, if something went wrong.

Thankfully, as a result of proper and constant supervision by Health and Safety Officers, nothing went wrong. Not one incident.

What are the Health and Safety Officers in these islands doing, to avoid having more widows and orphans as a result of firework disasters?

Col. Dr Raymond A. Bencini

Zebbug