A worker has died in an accident at the Wasteserv incinerator in Marsa, the police told The Malta Independent.

The worker has been identified as a 38-year-old from Marsaxlokk, who has been named as Joseph Ellul.

The incident happened at around 9am near the abattoir area of the facility.

Further official details are as of yet unclear.  A police spokesperson on site said that investigations were ongoing in order to ascertain what had happened.

Duty magistrate Elaine Mercieca is leading a magisterial inquiry.

In a statement, the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) said that it is investigating this morning's accident at the WasteServ Incinerator facility in Marsa. "OHSA immediately started its investigations into the cause of this accident in terms of section 9 of the OHS Authority Act and will continue during the day. As the investigation is still ongoing, OHSA is not in a position to make other comments at this time."

Wasteserv issued a statement of its own, and said: "We note with deep regret that this morning a fatal accident occurred at our Thermal Treatment Facility in Marsa.  At the moment, all our thoughts and energy are with the victim's relatives and friends, and his co-workers who together formed part of our family."

This is a breaking news story - refresh the page for more details as they come.

Photo: Newsbook - Miguela Xuereb