[WATCH] Updated | Two men, woman injured in Naxxar fireworks factory explosion

Explosion at 11th February Lourdes fireworks factory in the Tal-Qadi area of Naxxar • Two men, one woman hospitalised, one seriously injured

Seven injured in fireworks explosion in Naxxar
Seven injured in fireworks explosion in Naxxar
Photo by Daniel Borg
Photo by Daniel Borg

Multiple explosions rocked the fields around the Naxxar and St Paul's Bay area, in an incident at the S.M. Fireworks Factory in the Tal-Qadi area.

The explosion, which happened at around 2:15pm, has left two men, aged 25 and 36, from Dingli and Mosta respectively, and a 29-year-old woman from Mosta. The three were taken to Mater Dei Hospital for treatment, with the 36-year-old's injuries having been determined to be serious in nature.

Five other people escaped with only slight injuries.

The fireworks factory in the vicinity of Salina
The fireworks factory in the vicinity of Salina

The factory is owned by the 11 February pyrotechnics committee, of the San Gwann parish, and manufactures fireworks for the Mosta, Naxxar, and San Gwann feasts.

Frans Xuereb said the workers were finishing their shift and preparing to head home, before going to the Munxar feast in Gozo.He said the factory, and the fireworks carried within, were fully licensed.

Home Affairs Minister Michael Farrugia arrived on site just before 4pm, and Nationalist MP Kristy Debono arrived at around 4:30pm.

Ambulances were on site, as well as firefighters and a bomb disposal van. 

Magistrate Marse-ann Farrugia, who was informed of the case, opened an inquiry and appointed various aspects to assist her.