Workman unemployed and unable to work since Gensna structure collapse, court hears

Emanuel Ronayne was unable to continue to work for RVC Ltd as a result of injuries he suffered in the collapse

A steel structure had collapsed onto the stage during preparations for the 2014 Rock Opera Gensna
A steel structure had collapsed onto the stage during preparations for the 2014 Rock Opera Gensna

A workman who suffered life-threatening injuries when a lighting structure collapsed on him at the Malta Fairs and Convention Centre had told a court that he is now unemployed and has no source of income.

The workman in question, Emanuel Ronayne, testified before magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera this morning as criminal proceedings against five MFCC directors in connection with the 2014 incident continued.

Ronayne, who was unable to continue to work for RVC Ltd as a result of injuries he suffered in the collapse, told the court how he had been working on the site when the lighting scaffold fell on him without warning. He “felt a sudden, massive blow” to his back and ended up crushed between the structure and a box on the stage.

Maestro Paul Abela (right) and Gensna producer David Borg (third from left) with the Ronayne family
Maestro Paul Abela (right) and Gensna producer David Borg (third from left) with the Ronayne family

The 48-year-old had been rushed to hospital in a critical condition and was found to have suffered chest injuries including broken ribs and spinal injuries.

Emergency department consultant Dr. Jonathan Joslyn also testified this morning. He explained that first responders had found Ronayne conscious but in respiratory distress, as both lungs had been perforated. A chest drain had to be inserted on site to allow him to breathe, the doctor said. The man had also suffered a ruptured spleen together with fractures to several vertebrae as well as all the ribs on his left side.

Directors Winston Zahra, Gerald Borg and Joseph Fenech, together with CEO Anita Mifsud and Projects manager Mark Anthony Farrugia face charges of involuntarily causing grievous injuries and three counts of causing slight injuries, when a lighting structure which was being set up to cater for the performance of the rock musical production Gensna.

The five officials are also accused of causing Nexos and RVC ltd to suffer damages and breaching the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Inspector Robert Vella is prosecuting. Lawyers Joe Giglio, Stephen Tonna Lowell, Stephan Camilleri and Joseph J. Vella are appearing for the defendants, while lawyer Michael and Jacqueline Tanti Dougall are representing Ronayne as parte civile.