Two men and a woman were injured in an explosion in a fireworks factory in the Salini area, near the bird park, which occurred this afternoon, the police said.

Another four escaped unhurt.

The cause of the incident is being investigated, the police said in a statement, which took place in the factory belonging to the 11 February Pyrotechnic Society of San Gwann, which prepares fireworks for the Our Lady of Lourdes feast of the locality.

The two men, aged 25 and 36, respectively residents of Dingli and Mosta, and the woman, 29 of Mosta, were taken to hospital for treatment.

The two mean, according to the police, suffered serious injuries, while the woman was slightly hurt.

Earlier, Home Affairs Minister Michael Farrugia, who was among the first on site, told The Malta Independent that one of the two injured men suffered burns, while the other also has serious injuries.

AFM, CPD and police officials, as well as the bomb disposal unit went on site, known as the Tal-Qadi, limits of Naxxar, to tend to the injured and start the investigation.

Magistrate Marseanne Farrugia is leading an inquiry.

Residents in Pembroke, San Gwann, Għargħur and Naxxar all reported hearing blasts at around 3.15pm, with a large plume of white smoke rising into the sky and which could be seen from various areas around Malta.

Soon after the explosion, several people including gathered on site to check about their relatives.

As at 4.25 pm, a small fire was still blazing.

President of the 11 February Pyrotechnics Society Frans Xuereb said that the fireworks factory has all the necessary licences.  

PN MP Kristy Debono appealed for safety to be a top priority and that safety measures always be implemented.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Youth and Sport Clifton Grima and MP Claudette Buttigieg were also on site.

 

  

Photos below by James Caruana