A gas cylinder exploded near Civil Protection Department personnel who are trying to put out a blaze at a scrapyard in Birzebbuga. Five of the CPD members were taken to hospital after they inhaled smoke and suffered from heat stress. Their condition is however stable, and following test results they would be able to go home.

The fire broke out at about 10am and spread very rapidly, causing a huge pall of black smoke to cover the South of Malta. CPD personnel were soon on site, but had to call for more water bowsers. Someone was also moving scrapped cars with a bulldozer to prevent the fire from spreading.

Firefighters have put out the fire but are now undergoing a cooling process and surveillance.

In a statement, the Institute of Journalists condemned the "violent attacks" on journalists who were on duty at Birzebbuga. It called for action to be taken against the perpetrators.