An enormous blast has shaken the tiny island nation of Malta after a fireworks factory exploded early on Monday morning. The incident at Ta' Lourdes fireworks factory in the Magħtab region saw one powerful explosion followed by a number of smaller ones just before 6.30am local time. The explosions were heard across large parts of the country, which is about two and a half times smaller than Canberra, with residents reporting buildings being shaken with the force of the blast.
Eyewitness Accounts and Damage
One video circulating on social media shows glass shattering in a nearby apartment as the factory goes up in flames in the distance. Others have reported parts of a building's facade breaking off as the explosion rocked the surrounding area. Emergency services rushed to the scene and two men aged 67 and 47 were taken to hospital for shock and minor injuries.
None of the factory's licensed workers were present at the time of the incident, local police have said. They are continuing to investigate the matter. One video shows glass shattering in a nearby home. An initial blast was followed by several others. A huge plume of thick smoke shot up in the air.
Second Explosion Captured on Video
Video of the moment shows fireworks sparking around a thick column of smoke before a second powerful explosion rings out, shooting a fireball high into the air. A person who was out walking their dog at the time told Malta Today: "The blasts were so powerful I actually felt my hair move from the pressure wave, and all the trees around us shook. My dogs completely lost it. I've never been so scared in my life — for a moment I genuinely thought we were being bombed."
The incident has raised concerns about safety protocols at fireworks factories in Malta, which are known for their traditional pyrotechnics during local festivals. Authorities have assured the public that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the explosion and prevent future occurrences.
