A businessman has been killed in an explosion that took place in St Paul's Bay this morning. 

The blast was most likely caused by a car bomb. The explosion took place in Triq Paderborn.

The man, John Camilleri known as Giovanni tas-Sapun, aged 67, was certified dead on site. He was driving a Mitsubishi Pajero when the explosion took place. The man runs a business selling bathroom amenities.

The man was on his way to a property he owns in the vicinity.

With the blast, parts of the car ended up on roofs of buildings nearby.

st paul's bay explosion car bomb 2 from The Malta Independent on Vimeo.

Video above Michael Camilleri

In an initial short statement, the police confirmed that a man had died in the incident. It did not say what caused the explosion, adding that more details will be given to the media during the day.

The police later said that the man is from Naxxar, and that the explosion took place at the corner of Paderborn Street with Gifen Street.

Magistrate Natasha Galea Sciberras is conducting an inquiry.

Photos above Michael Camilleri

Several roads in the area have been closed off to traffic as the investigation continues. Several cars parked in the vicinity were damaged in the blast.

Photo and video Kersten Graham

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st pauls bay explosion from The Malta Independent on Vimeo.