Updated | Driver, 35, in intensive care after explosion rocks van

Three men injured after a Ford Transit van exploded • Video by Chris Mangion

Three men have been injured after a van, of make Ford Transit, exploded on Aldo Moro Street, Marsa.

The driver of the van was identified as a 35-year-old man from Qormi

Those injured are a 35-year-old man from Qormi, who was driving the van, and a 45-year-old man from Naxxar who was a passenger. A third person, a 37-year-old man from Haz-Zabbar sustained injuries when the windscreen of his Opel Zafira was shattered by the blast. Police sources confirmed on Tuesday morning that the 35-year-old man was in critical condition and was currently in the Intensive Care Unit. They added that the other two injured parties suffered minor injuries.

A passenger in the van was also injured

Initial reports suggested that the explosion could have been caused by a bursting tyre. However, the damages sustained by the Ford Transit suggest that the blast could have been caused by explosives.

A man in a second driver was injured as a result of the blast

It is unclear whether the van was carrying the explosives or if it was targeted.

According to witnesses, the interior of the van was “completely destroyed”.

The interior of the van was completely destroyed

The explosion caused the van to crash into a light post. Members of the bomb disposal unit were called on site as the Armed Forces of Malta deployed a bomb disposal robot.

The AFM also deployed a bomb disposal robot

Motorists have been urged to avoid the area due to heavy traffic congestion. Separately, three minor collisions on the opposite side were reported.

All photography by Chris Mangion