12 people, including a 31-year-old woman, three children aged 10, 7 and 3 years and a 7 month old baby were hospitalised this evening following a fire in an apartment in Luqa road, Tarxien.

All of the persons taken to hospital suffered from slight injuries, the police said in a statement this evening. 

The fire was controlled by members of the Civil Protection Departement who were on site.

The District Police are investigating, while being assisted by the Traffic Section and RIU in diverting traffic.

The police had advised motorists to avoid Luqa Road in Paola and the area of the Xintill roundabout in Santa Lucija as firefighters were tackling the fire.

Housing Authority will provide alternative accommodation

The Minister for Family and Social Solidarity expressed its full solidarity with the residents who were affected by the fire which broke out in a government apartment in Tarxien.

Minister Michael Farrugia visited the site of the incident and spoke to the residents who were evacuated from site.

In a press release, the Ministry said that the Housing Authority will be providing an alternative accommodation until the place is safe for people to stay in.  

Two architects will be visiting the site to confirm that there was no structural damage.

Minister Farrugia thanked the health authorities, police officers and members of the Civil Protection Department for their immediate response.