A powerful explosion at a fireworks factory in northern Malta on Monday morning left two people with minor injuries, according to police. The blast at the Ta' Lourdes facility, located on the Mediterranean island's north side, generated a towering plume of smoke and debris that was visible for kilometres.
Police reported that the first explosion occurred at approximately 6:35 am local time, followed by a second, more powerful blast. Witnesses described the ground shaking and windows shattering in nearby homes. Local newspapers Times of Malta and Malta Today published videos showing the aftermath, with debris scattered across the area.
The two injured individuals were working in adjacent fields when the explosions happened, police said on social media. They sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene. No workers were present at the factory itself at the time of the blast, authorities confirmed.
Smaller secondary explosions continued for hours after the initial blasts, according to Times of Malta, as emergency services cordoned off the area and assessed the damage.
Local Residents Describe Terrifying Morning
Edward Mercieca, who lives near the factory, told Times of Malta that the first explosion jolted him awake. "It felt like someone picked up a hammer the size of a truck and banged on the side of my house," he was quoted as saying. "The plume of smoke must have been a thousand feet (300 metres) high."
The incident comes just days after Malta's general election, in which Prime Minister Robert Abela's Labour Party secured an unprecedented fourth consecutive term. Abela, whose victory was widely anticipated, wrote on social media that his "thoughts are with the people affected by the explosion that occurred this morning."
Malta has a long tradition of fireworks manufacturing, particularly for religious festivals, but the industry has faced scrutiny over safety standards. The Ta' Lourdes factory is one of several on the island that produce pyrotechnics for local celebrations. While no fatalities were reported in this incident, the blast highlights ongoing risks associated with the sector.
Police have launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion. Preliminary assessments suggest that the factory was not operational at the time, which may have prevented more serious injuries. Authorities have not yet commented on whether the facility had undergone recent safety inspections.
The explosion also drew attention to the broader context of Malta's political landscape. Abela's Labour Party, which won a landslide victory in the 26 March election, has faced criticism over governance and corruption issues, as detailed in our coverage of Malta's election amid corruption concerns. The prime minister's swift response to the incident may be seen as an effort to project competence in the wake of the electoral mandate.
For now, residents in the northern part of the island are left to assess the damage and await further updates from authorities. The incident serves as a reminder of the inherent dangers in fireworks production, a practice deeply embedded in Maltese culture but one that requires rigorous oversight.
