[WATCH] Nationwide investigation to be launched into churches' infrastructure after Ta’ Ġieżu incident

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Infrastructure minister Ian Borg also announced that they will be covering the expenses for restoration as well as building a new dome for the Franciscan church

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and infrastructure minister Ian Borg inspect the ceiling (Photo: James Bianchi/MediaToday)
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and infrastructure minister Ian Borg inspect the ceiling (Photo: James Bianchi/MediaToday)
Nationwide investigation to be launched into churches' infrastructure after Ta’ Ġieżu incident

The state and the Curia will be launching an investigation into the stability of infrastructure of churches across the Maltese Islands, in a decision triggered by today's incident at ‘Ta’ Ġieżu’ church, where the ceiling collapsed onto the altar.

Fr Martin Coleiro OFM had the fright of his life this morning when he found the church's ceiling had collapsed, leaving behind hundreds of thousands of euros worth of damage.

Preliminary investigations show that only one church is in danger of collapse. The details of the church cannot be confirmed, however sources say that the church is in Birkirkara and is only open to the public once a year.

“The Curia has jurisdiction over most of its property but we will be working with it to help wherever we can,” infrastructure minister Ian Borg confirmed.

"Today's tragedy highlighted the importance of giving due attention to Maltas's churches, which are part of our cultural history," said Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, during a visit to the church. Present was also culture minister Owen Bonnici.

The Franciscan community had restored part of the church a few months ago, prior to today's collapse.

Government workers were immediately sent in to help with the rubble left by the incident. The state will be covering the cost for the rest of the works, including the subsequent rebuilding of the ceiling and the building of a new dome.

Mass was celebrated today in ‘Ta’ Ġieżu’ church despite today's incident.

Residents were devastated when announcements of the incident were made. A local resident said “I can't believe it. I’ve been coming here since I was a child."