A vehicle carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) overturned in Mellieha on Thursday morning, with Civil Protection Department officers now on site in a "delicate" operation to keep the area safe.

This morning, just after 7.30am, the CPD said it was alerted to a road traffic collision involving a toppled LPG carrier in Mellieħa.

Due to the nature of the incident, a delicate and prolonged operation is underway. CPD crews from Stations 1, 3, and 10 are currently on site to monitor and assist.

The operation involves the safe transfer of LPG from the toppled lorry to another tanker brought to the scene. Once engineers confirm that the vehicle is completely empty, the lorry will then be lifted using a crane, the CPD said.

The operation involves 15 firefighters, supported by five fire tenders and two senior officers, along with the Emergency Department team from Mater Dei Hospital, Transport Malta and the police. 

Members of the public are urged to avoid the area and follow instructions given by the authorities.