Update 5 | Mother, three children and baby among 11 persons hospitalised for smoke inhalation

11 admitted to Mater Dei after an apartment caught fire in Tarxien. (Video: Chris Mangion)

A 31-year-old mother, three children - aged 10, 7 and 3 - and a seven-month old baby are among those hospitalised for smoke inhalation after an apartment in Luqa Road, Tarxien, caught fire.

MaltaToday is informed that a total of 11 patients were admitted to Mater Dei, seven of which are adults. None of the patients suffered burns. In a statement, police confirmed that all of them suffered slight injuries.

The Ministry for the Family is also seeking alternative accomodation for residents who can't return to their apartments as a result of the fire.

A heater is suspected of having caused the fire. Sources said that the flat was badly damaged in the fire.

The Police confirmed that the fire on the fourth floor of a block of government apartments was controlled by members of the Civil Protection Department. Firefights could be seen using their leaders to evacuate residents.

Paramedics on site also offered assistance to other residents.

Together with @dr_micfar visited residents at #Paola and #Mater Dei following this afternoon's fire.

— Chris Fearne (@chrisfearne) February 1, 2016

Motorists were urged to avoid going through Luqa Road in Rahal Gdid/Santa Lucija, passing through Xintill roundabout, as the road is currently closed to traffic.

“We urge the public to co-operate with the Police who are on site directing traffic,” the police said.