A 27-year-old man died yesterday at around 2am when his car caught fire after he was involved in a traffic accident in Triq is-Sebh, Qormi.

Michael Grech, a restaurateur from Marsaxlokk, was trapped in his Proton Saga which caught fire immediately after it crashed into a tree. Mr Grech had for some reason lost control of his vehicle.

The flames were extinguished by Civil Protection Department members. It is believed that Mr Grech died due to injuries sustained in the crash and burns.

Just a few hours earlier, on Thursday at 8.40pm, a motorcycle caught fire at Mdina Road, Zebbug after two motorcycles were involved in a crash with a car, which left them fighting for their life in hospital.

The car driver, a 19-year-old man from Luqa, was unscathed but the two bikers, a 28-year-old man from Tarxien and a 32-year-old man from Zurrieq, were seriously injured and are in critical condition. They were rushed to Mater Dei Hospital. CPD members controlled the flames.

Duty magistrate Jacqueline Padovani appointed several experts to help her in the inquiries.

Police investigations are underway.