A massive explosion at the Ta’ Lourdes fireworks factory in Maghtab, Malta, left two farmers injured and caused widespread structural damage to nearby homes and livestock farms early this morning.
Incident Details and Casualties
The explosion occurred at approximately 6:30 AM at the Ta’ Lourdes fireworks factory. No factory employees were on-site at the time of the blast. According to the Times of Malta, the injured parties are two men, aged 47 and 67, who were working in nearby fields.
Farmers reported that four cows were killed in the blast, with several other animals sustaining injuries. Residents in central and northern Malta reported feeling the tremors, with windows shattered in nearby homes and as far away as Qawra. Falling stones also caused damage to local buildings.
Testimonies and Structural Impact
Witnesses described the event as a series of three powerful explosions. Edward Mercieca, a local resident and theatre owner, reported that the force of the blasts blew the locks off his home, office, and theatre doors, swinging them wide open.
Agricultural Losses and Evacuations
The explosions caused significant structural damage to surrounding farms and extreme distress to livestock. A statement noted that for breeders, these losses represent years of dedication and are not merely financial, as animals are a primary source of family livelihood.
Some residents were evacuated due to the ongoing risk of secondary detonations that continued for several hours. Historical records indicate that this same factory site experienced a previous explosion in 2018.
