His pillion rider, an 18-year-old girl from Zejtun, suffered grievous injuries and for a time was also in danger of dying but her condition was later described as stable.

The collision occurred at around 1.30am on the Salina Road and involved two cars and a motorcycle.

One of the cars was a Renault driven by a 26-year-old man from Sliema, and going in the direction of St Julian’s from Qawra, while the other car was a Subaru Impreza driven by a 28-year-old man from Sta Venera.

The Renault driver was slightly injured while the Subaru driver was unhurt.

Duty magistrate Dr Consuelo Scerri Herrera appointed a number of experts to help her in the inquiry.

The accident is being investigated by the Naxxar District police.