Cement mixer truck driver injured in Lija traffic accident

Stefan Ciappara, the driver of the ready-mix being taken to the ambulance. Video John Pisani

A 27-year-old man from Naxxar, Stefan Ciappara, is receiving medical treatment at Mater Dei Hospital after being involved in a traffic accident on Mosta Road, next to the Lija cemetery.

The accident occurred at 1:05pm when Ciappara was driving the cement mixer towards Mosta, when he rear-ended a street sweeper belonging to the Cleansing Services Department, driven by 55-year-old Anthony Pace from Kalkara.

Upon impact, the sweeper was pushed onto the centre-strip, ending on the other side of the street.

Ciappara was caught up in the truck's cabin between the steering wheel and the dashboard, and had to be freed by the Civil Protection Department personnel led by Tony Pisani.

While they were removing parts of the cabin, the medical team from the Mater Dei emergency department led by Dr Jonathan Joslin and Dr Michael Spiteri, assisted by nurses, gave first aid to Ciappara. Police from the RIU and Traffic Section were on the scene of the accident to control the traffic

Some drivers caused more havoc by trying to pass from the wrong way of the road, and against the traffic flow, just to avoid being stuck in traffic.

When Ciappara was freed from the mangled cabin he was taken to hospital escorted by traffic police.

PS Geoffrey Attard McCarthy together with PC Mario Ciantar from the police district of Birkirkara are investigating the accident. Although Ciappara is not in danger of dying, it seems that he is suffering from grievous injures. The driver of the street sweeper and a passenger who was with him, did not suffer any injuries.