A tremendous explosion in a fireworks factory shook an agricultural area in the north of Malta this Tuesday and left two men injured who were working in nearby fields.
«I thought I was already there, that I was going to die»said Víctor Camilleri, a 67-year-old agricultural worker, who sought refuge in a small room that later collapsed.
The man was rescued and taken to a hospital, while the sky was covered with black clouds black due to the shocking explosions that occurred on Monday morning.
Víctor’s son, 47 years old, was treated by state of shock.
Besides, several animals on the farm were killed and injuredand the properties ended up with serious damage to their structure.
«Our thoughts are with the people affected by the explosion. The country’s authorities immediately sent their representatives and staff to provide assistance«Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela wrote on his social networks.
The Maltese police confirmed that none of the factory workersa was on site at the time of the accident, since the first shift had not yet started.
The explosion was heard several kilometers away, vibrating buildings and causing windows to break in different parts of the area, according to users on social networks.
Members of the police, the Civil Protection Department, the Armed Forces of Malta and the health services were brought to the scene of the incident.
Judicial authorities opened an investigation to determine the causes of the explosion.
The testimony of some of those injured by the explosion
Victor Camilleri He was working like every day in his field when suddenly he saw a cloud of black smoke and a major explosion. Sensing that more explosions could occur, ran to a room to get safe.
“As I was inside the room in the field, which is on lower ground than the factory, at first it didn’t affect me that much,” he said.
And he added: “There was a strong smell of fireworks. The room I was in collapsed around me. “A beam broke in half, but a center beam remained intact, which saved my life.”
Camilleri stated that suffered leg injuries when the room collapsedwhile one of his sons who helped him get out also suffered some injuries.
«These fireworks factories are very dangerous for farmers. They need a designated area for themfar from places where they could endanger people’s lives,» he said.
SMB
