The accident took place at 10.45am when the family were doing some sight-seeing of the impressive cliffs. For reasons as yet unknown, the driver, a Tunisian, lost control and the jeep plunged a storey into the ditch.

Police and Civil Protection Department personnel rushed to the scene and winched the injured family and eventually the jeep to safety.

Police said that all five were injured and were rushed by paramedics to the St Luke’s Casualty Department for treatment. Two were found to be very badly injured and placed on the critical list, however later in the day the condition of one of the injured, who was not thought to as be badly injured, deteriorated and was also said to be in critical condition. They were put into the Intensive Therapy Unit for life-saving treatment.

The other two sustained serious, but not life threatening injuries. Duty magistrate Antonio Mizzi appointed a number of experts to assist in an on-site inquiry. Mosta District Police are investigating.