A man was shot and killed after a minor car crash in Bidnija turned into an incident of road rage on Sunday morning, the police said.

A minor crash between a car and a motorcycle at around 8am in Triq tal-Konkos in Bidnija descended into what has become the first murder of the year.

The crash was reportedly between two neighbours, and although it was a minor accident, one of the two men involved brandished a firearm with which he shot the other driver, the police said.

The victim, a 53-year-old, suffered serious injuries and attempted to drive himself to hospital and made it to Burmarrad before stopping to call an ambulance. 

He was taken to Mater Dei Hospital but certified died soon after arrival.

The victim was later identified as businessman Jean Paul Busuttil, known as Ta’ Bandallu.

A LESA official was already on site of the avccident due to roadworks close by and was treated for shock.

The aggressor, a 46-year-old man, was arrested immediately on site. Police said that a search for the murder weapon is ongoing.

Magistrate Ian Farrugia is leading an inquiry.

Photo: Police Communications & Media Relations Unit