The Malta Independent 13 August 2026, Thursday
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Part of Triq is-Simar collapses in Xemxija, BCA orders road closure and launches investigation

Thursday, 2 April 2026, 19:15 Last update: about 5 months ago

Part of Triq is-Simar in Xemxija collapsed on Thursday, prompting an investigation by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA).

In a statement, the BCA said its officials are investigating after receiving a report through Helpline 138 that a section of the road had given way.

As a precaution, the authority immediately ordered the complete closure of the road. A temporary structure has since been put in place while investigations continue.

Construction works in the surrounding area have been halted, although the cause of the collapse remains unclear.

The incident comes just weeks after a wall collapsed at the same site, which had already triggered an investigation by the authorities.

Opposition MP Ivan Castillo, who was the first to publicly raise the alarm, described the situation as serious and unacceptable, warning that residents are facing real danger.

In a Facebook post, Castillo said the safest place for people should be their home, yet even that sense of security has now been undermined.

He said the BCA, police and the Occupational Health and Safety Authority had been informed, but stressed that more urgent and coordinated action is needed.

Castillo pointed to structural damage and growing safety concerns, questioning what affected residents are expected to do if they are forced to leave their homes.

"People are living in real danger," he said, insisting that authorities cannot wait for the situation to worsen before taking action.

He called for immediate measures to safeguard residents, provide clear guidance to those affected and ensure that concrete steps are taken without delay.

Castillo said he will continue pressing the authorities until the matter is properly addressed, insisting that public safety must remain the top priority.


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