Commissioner of Children Helen D’Amato said that Sunday’s Paceville club accident, which uncovered the fact that children under 17 were at the club at the time of the accident, highlights the need for more stringent measures to be put into place to ensure that under-aged children are not allowed in to such establishments.

Speaking to The Malta Independent yesterday afternoon, Mrs D’Amato said that the accident also highlights the need for health and safety measures to be taken and adhered to.

“There needs to be more enforcement in entertainment hubs to prevent children under 17 from entering such establishments,” she said.

Seventy-one people were injured aged between 13 and 25 years old after a glass balustrade collapsed at a Paceville club just before 1 a.m. Two girls, 13 and 15, are in critical condition while 13 others have been kept in hospital for further observation.

The rest of the patients treated as a result of the accident were discharged. It seems the club’s patrons tried to exit the club after pepper spray was used inside the establishment, causing a commotion among clubbers. The collapse was captured on camera and many patrons were seen falling onto the steps of a club next door. Blood covered what was left of the glass balustrade.

She continued: “It is vital that the necessary changes are made to teen party regulations, as we have suggested to the Law Reform Commission.

“The law should give protection to these children but we also need to see appropriate activities organised for children such as cultural and sports activities to encourage them to attend such activities,” she added.