A 27-year-old Indian national living in Paola died in a traffic accident in Ħandaq Road, Qormi, on Tuesday morning, the police said.

The collision occurred at approximately 11:45am and involved a Toyota Toyace truck driven by the victim and a trailer - a DAF CF85 vehicle - driven by a 39-year-old man from Tarxien.

Members of the Civil Protection Department and a medical team were dispatched to the scene, but the victim was certified dead on site.

Magistrate Dr Monica Borg Galea has been informed and opened an inquiry, while police investigations are ongoing alongside the Occupational Health and Safety Authority. 

Transport Malta is strongly advising motorists to steer clear of the vicinity and utilise alternative routes while emergency operations continue. 

This is the fifth traffic fatality of the year.