Darren Degabriele, who suffered extensive burns after his car exploded in Marsaxlokk on Sunday, died this afternoon, the police said.

Degabriele, 35, of Ghaxaq, was driving with his girlfriend Stephanie Tonna when the accident happened.

Police investigators have questioned at least six persons in connection with Sunday’s car bomb attack. The six persons were summoned to the Police HQ in Floriana.

It is believed that Mr Degabriele, who owns the Gente di Mare restaurant as well as a fuel business, was the target of the attack. The bomb – which was placed inside a metal container filled with small ball bearings – was placed onto the chassis of the car, just under the driver’s seat.

The bomb went off as the car was being driven along Zejtun Road, in the direction of Marsaxlokk. It is understood that the IED (improvised explosive device) was remotely detonated, possibly with a mobile phone.