The two men hospitalised following Monday’s blast at the fireworks factory in Wied Qirda, 42-year-old Anthony Agius and 38-year-old Joseph Zammit, remain critical, official police sources confirmed yesterday.

The other three survivors, Brian Bugeja, 31, Alex Attard and Saviour Cuschieri, 65 – who actually drove his mates to the hospital – were released later the same day as they had sustained minor injuries.

Antoine Cilia, 36, and Charles Farrugia, 59, lost their lives in the blast. There were four explosions – two large blasts followed by another two minor ones.

Investigations are ongoing, along with a magisterial inquiry. Meanwhile, yesterday, the autopsies were carried out on the two victims.

Zebbug was predictably in mourning. The deceased men – Cilia and Farrugia – were married and fathers of three and two children respectively.

External festivities of the St Joseph feast have been cancelled as a sign of respect.