Several families living near a construction site in Naxxar were evacuated on Thursday night after part of the foundations of a building under development failed, prompting an emergency response by the authorities.

The Building and Construction Authority issued an immediate stop order on all works at the site and described the evacuations as a precautionary measure while investigations continue.

In a statement, the BCA said it is working together with the Civil Protection Department to assess the situation and determine the safest course of action.

Residents in the area reported the partial collapse of a narrow supporting wall within the development, which is being built on land previously used as a quarry. Images from the site appear to show slender walls carrying a significantly heavier structure spanning part of the quarry. One of these walls gave way, raising concerns over whether the structure had been adequately designed to withstand the load.

The project forms part of a large development being carried out by Onyx Investments Ltd, a company owned by businessman Anton Camilleri, known as Il-Franċiż. Planning documents list Melanie Spiteri as the site architect.

Speaking to Times of Malta, Camilleri maintained that there was no danger to nearby residents, insisting that the closest occupied buildings are around 100 metres away from the affected area.

Families evacuated from neighbouring properties spent the night in a hotel as technical experts and authorities continued carrying out risk assessments on the site and surrounding buildings.

Concern

Momentum expressed deep concern about the incident, saying it is another alarming reminder that Malta's construction sector continues to operate within a culture where excessive development, weak enforcement, and inadequate safeguards are placing residents, workers, and entire communities at risk.

Momentum insisted that public safety must always take precedence over speculative development and unchecked construction practices. No resident should have to live in fear that excavation works next door could endanger their home, their property, or their lives.

The party also stresses that regulatory authorities must be empowered and willing to act decisively before accidents happen, not merely intervene after residents raise alarm.

Momentum stands in solidarity with the affected residents and calls on the government to treat this incident as a wake-up call for long-overdue reform in the construction sector".