Firefighters were called to a hazardous materials incident at a hotel restaurant after two pressurised liquid nitrogen dewars could not be safely opened due to a dangerous build-up of pressure.

The incident happened on Christmas Eve. In its post on Facebook, the CPD did not name the outlet or the locality where it is situated.

The containers, commonly used in modern culinary techniques such as rapid freezing, posed a potential risk when internal pressure increased beyond safe operating limits. Firefighters from Civil Protection Department (CPD) Fire Stations 10 and 11 responded to the scene.

Given the nature of the hazard, CPD worked in close coordination with the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Section. The cylinders were safely extricated from the premises and the excess pressure was released under controlled conditions.

Authorities confirmed that the situation was brought under control without any injuries, and there was no danger to members of the public or staff at the establishment, the CPD said.

The Civil Protection Department thanked the Armed Forces of Malta, the Malta Police Force, and the Mater Dei Hospital Emergency Department for their assistance, highlighting the effective inter-agency cooperation that ensured the incident was resolved safely.