A 41-year-old man from Ħal-Qormi has suffered serious injuries after the van he was driving caught fire and crashed into the parapet of a private residence in Ħaż-Żebbuġ.

The accident happened at around noon on Friday in Triq il-Mithna.

According to a preliminary investigation, the man was driving a Ford Transit van when, for an as-yet unknown reason, its battery caught fire. The flames subsequently spread throughout the vehicle, causing the driver to lose control and crash into the parapet of a private residence.

Members of the Civil Protection Department and a medical team from Mater Dei Hospital were called to the scene to assist.

The injured man was taken to Mater Dei Hospital by ambulance, where he was later certified to have suffered serious injuries.

Magistrate Dr Renata Farruġia LL.D was informed of the case and an inquiry has been opened.

Police investigations into the incident are ongoing.