A 76-year-old man died Saturday when a wall which forms part of a private residence in Qormi collapsed, the police said.

The accident took place in Farsina Street at 5.30pm.

Another man, the victim's son aged 41, suffered grievous injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.

The two men were carrying out some work when part of the wall that separates the property from a garage collapsed. The 41-year-old was extracted from the debris but the 71-year-old died on site, the police said.

Magistrate Philip Galea Farrugia is leading an inquiry.

The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) said in a statement have launched an investigation.

Preliminary findings indicate that no works had been approved or given clearance by either the BCA or OHSA, the authorities said.

Both authorities will continue to assist in the magisterial inquiry and cooperate fully with other entities, including the Police.