A gas explosion, the third in a week, has been reported in Qawra this morning.
This morning at approximately 6.05 the Civil Protection Department was alerted to a suspected gas explosion in a Qawra commercial establishment, the CPD said on its Facebook page.
One officer, eight fire fighters and three appliances responded to the call from Xemxija and Corradino Fire Station.
The fire was controlled quickly, the cylinders cooled down and extracted to reduce the possibility of a further explosion or fire.
The Civil Protection Department thanked the Malta Police Force, particularly officers from Qawra Police Station and RIU officers who assisted in the evacuation of residents from nearby flats.
Approximately 20 residents were evacuated, including an infant.
Pets were also evacuated in the operation, and no one was hurt in the incident.
On Monday, a gas explosion was reported in Paola.
Last week, a man was found dead at the bottom of a shaft after fire, which caused a gas cylinder to explode, engulfed the apartment he lived in on the fourth floor in Msida.
Images by Deputy Director Peter Paul Coleiro.