An improvised explosive device (IED) that went off under a van in Marsa yesterday evening, injuring a total of three people, was triggered by a mobile phone, army sources have told The Malta Independent. 

The explosion took place inside a white Ford Transit van as it was driving along Aldo Moro Road in Marsa. 

The police confirmed this morning that the driver, a 35-year-old from Qormi, suffered serious injuries and is being treated at the Intensive Care Unit at Mater Dei Hospital. Sources said the man had both his legs amputated.

It is understood that the man, who is a dock worker, was the intended target. 

The passenger, a 45-year-old from Naxxar, suffered slight injuries. The Ford van hit an electricity pole shortly after the explosion.

A third man was injured when glass hit him in the face as he was driving his car, an Opel Zafira, alongside the van at the time of the blast.

Traffic chaos ensued on the busy Marsa road as police officers closed all four lanes until investigations were carried out.

Members of the AFM’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit carried out a search on the van using a robot. AFM commander Brigadier Jeffrey Curmi, himself an EOD man, was also on site.