Republik Malta / Republic of Malta
2011
Qormi. Raymond Bugeja (55) is in critical conditions
after he suffered burns around 3 p.m. at St Sebastian fireworks factory near
Qormi when he was handling and mixing pyrotechnic material. 24.5.2011
Source: "Updated: Man in critical
condition following fireworks factory incident", 24.5.2011, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110524/local/man-suffers-burns-in-fireworks-factory.367025
2010
Qormi. Two
men were killed in an explosion at the St Sebastian fireworks factory at 6.15
p.m. 2 other men were slightly injured. The lifeless bodies of Damien Agius (20)
and Fredu Stellini (45) were found after a crane lifted some concrete which had
been the roof of the workshop where the powerful blast took place. A huge cloud
of smoke rose above the factory. 22.2.2010
Source:
"Updated
0645h: Firework factory explosion – 2 men dead", 22.2.2010, http://www.di-ve.com/Default.aspx?ID=72&Action=1&NewsId=69803&newscategory=36
"Update3:
Fireworks factory blows up, bodies of two men found", 22.2.2010, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100222/local/fireworks-factory-blows-up
"Two die
in fireworks blast", 23.2.2010, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100223/local/two-die-in-fireworks-blast
Qormi.
Bei der Explosion einer
Feuerwerksfabrik kamen zwei Menschen (20, 45) ums Leben. Zwei weitere Arbeiter
wurden leicht verletzt. 22.2.2010
Quelle:
"Feuerwerksfabrik
auf Malta explodiert – Zwei Tote", 23.2.2010, http://relevant.at/chronik/europa/11709/feuerwerksfabrik-malta-explodiert-zwei-tote.story
"Feuerwerksfabrik
auf Malta explodiert", 23.2.2010, http://www.radiobasel.ch/aktuell/nachrichten/feuerwerksfabrik-auf-malta-explodiert-2010-02-23
Gharghur.
Two men escaped unhurt when a huge explosion just after 3p.m. rocked the San
Bartolomeo fireworks factory as they were preparing for an upcoming fireworks
festival. The fire raged on for three hours and died out by about 6 p.m. as
fireworks inside exploded intermittently because of the heat. As a precaution,
residents in houses overlooking the valley were evacuated for a few hours.
15.4.2010
Source:
"Fireworks
factory explodes – No one injured", 15.4.2010, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100415/local/fireworks-factory-blows-up
"No
one injured in fireworks factory blast", 16.4.2010, http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=104617
"Two
escape unhurt in fireworks factory blast", 16.4.2010, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100416/local/two-escape-unhurt-in-fireworks-factory-blast
Tas-Silg,
near Marsaxlokk. A 62-year-old man was critically injured in a powerful
explosion at St Catherine's Fireworks Factory. The victim was working in a small
room under a carob tree when the explosion took place. A 33-year-old man also
suffered serious burn injuries, while three other men (29, 42, 39) suffered
minor injuries.
None
of the other factory buildings were affected by the blast. The high humidity and
southerly winds, present on that day, are considered hazardous when mixing
explosives. An expert told that chemicals should not be handled in humid weather
because there could easily be a spark and a spontaneous combustion.
4.5.2010
Source:
"Update
4: Fireworks factory explosion at Marsaxlokk – one person seriously burnt",
4.5.2010, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100504/local/fireworks-factory-blows-up-near-marsaxlokk
"Fireworks
enthusiast fights for his life", 5.5.2010, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100505/local/fireworks-enthusiast-fights-for-his-life
 |
"Another
life lost to fireworks", 8.5.2010, http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=105811,
"Fireworks factory explosion victim dies", 8.5.2010, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100508/local/fireworks-factory-explosion-victim-dies
and "Factory blast victim dies, feast cancelled", 9.5.2010, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100509/local/factory-blast-victim-dies-feast-cancelled:
John Abela (62) succumbed to his injuries on May 7, 2010, at Mater Dei
Hospital. He had suffered burns on 90 per cent of his body during an
explosion at St Catherine's fireworks factory in Tas Silg, Marsaxlokk, on
May 3, 2010. His right leg was amputated the day following the explosion.
|
Village of Dwejra, limits of Mosta. One person died in
a massive explosion of a fireworks factory at 3 p.m. August 13, 2010. August 14,
2010, the dead body of Mario Dimech (41) was found in the debris of the Santa
Marija 15 August fireworks factory, soon after a search resumed in the morning. The autopsy carried out on Mario Dimech, has not turned up any clues
about what could have caused the accident. Mr Dimech was the only person
unaccounted for after the incident, as the other 13 enthusiasts who worked at
the factory were having lunch at the time of the explosion, explaining why Mr
Dimech was alone on site. The explosions have left many questions unanswered, as
the work of making the fireworks had been completed and all that was left to be
done was transporting them to where they were to be let off. Mr Dimech was in
the storeroom at the time of the blast, according to sources.
Source:
"Update
3: Mosta outdoor feast expected to be cancelled after fireworks tragedy",
13.8.2010, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100813/local/mosta-fireworks-factory-explodes
"Fireworks
factory blast rattles Malta, one person missing", 13.8.2010, http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/news/339317,rattles-malta-person-missing.html
"Man
feared dead in fireworks explosion", 14.8.2010, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100814/local/man-feared-dead-in-fireworks-explosion
"Fireworks
victim found", 14.8.2010, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100814/local/fireworks-victim-found
"One
dead in Mosta fireworks factory blast", 14.8.2010, http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=110644
"Fireworks
enthusiasts baffled by Mosta blast",
15.8.2010, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100815/local/fireworks-enthusiasts-baffled-by-mosta-blast
"Autopsy
yields no answers on cause of fireworks factory blast", 17.8.2010, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100817/local/autopsy-yields-no-answers-on-cause-of-fireworks-factory-blast
Gharb.
At 6.10 p.m. on Sunday, September 5, 2010, three powerful blasts ripped through
the Ta' Nenu Fireworks Factory, with many saying they felt what seemed like an
earthquake and saw a huge mushroom cloud of smoke. A number of cars were
destroyed. Windows at some residences near Gharb were shattered. People on site
said the area was covered in debris, which flung hundreds of metres away from
the factory. The debris included the chassis and bumpers of various trucks.
Hours after the explosion occurred, some isolated fires could be seen and small
blasts heard. Petards, which continued exploding as police officers, soldiers
and firemen searched for any survivors late into the evening, were still being
removed September, 6.
The
same fireworks factory had exploded five years ago, when eight to 10 rooms were
wiped out but, luckily, no one was hurt and it had been rebuilt.
The
fireworks factory owner's son Noel Farrugia (31) and his pregnant wife Antinette
(27) and Jean Pierre Azzopardi (27) died in the blast. The fabric owner's other
son Raymond (32) and his son-in-law Paul Micallef (35) were critically injured
after they were badly burnt. One of them reported to have suffered 80 per cent
burns. They are in intensive care. In the evening, the factory owner was still
missing and the search for him will go on.
September
6, 2010, the body of Nenu Farrugia (67), the owner of the fireworks factory, was
found. The search was a delicate operation, with the rescuers threading their
way amid debris and unexploded petards which were scattered over a wide area of
the slope where the fireworks factory was located.
Raymond
Farrugia (38) succumbed to his injuries on
September 7, 2010, at 3.30 a.m. at the hospital. The other injured man (35) was
still fighting for his life in hospital.
Early
in the morning of September 8, 2010, Peter Paul Micallef (35), the son-in-law of
the fireworks owner Nenu Farrugia, died in hospital.
The
factory contained an estimated €70,000 worth of fireworks for the Xaghra feast.
The fireworks complex, trucks, vehicles and equipment were reduced to ruins. -
Sepember 6, 2010, the Justice and Home Affairs Ministry appointed a board of
inquiry to identify the potential causes of such accidents and make
recommendations for better safety at fireworks factories.
Source:
"Three
dead in Gharb fireworks explosion", 6.9.2010, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100906/local/three-dead-in-gharb-fireworks-explosion
"Updated:
Body of fourth fireworks explosion victim found", 6.9.2010, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100906/local/search-resumes-at-fireworks-factory-site
"Government
appoints Board of Inquiry into firework safety", 6.9.2010, http://gozonews.com/14603/government-appoints-board-of-inquiry-into-firework-safety/
"Amateur
film shows sheer devastation of Gharb fireworks factory explosion and victim
extracted from debris", 6.9.2010, http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/fireworks/Gharb-fireworks-explosion-05092010
"Gharb
fireworks blast claims another victim", 7.9.2010, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100907/local/gharb-fireworks-blast-claims-another-victim
"Fourth
blast victim found as search ends", 7.9.2010, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100907/local/fourth-blast-victim-found-as-search-ends
"Explosion
in Gharb", 7.9.2010, http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=111711
"Pyrotechnics
inspector points finger at 'dangerous' igniters", 7.9.2010, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100907/local/pyrotechnics-inspector-points-finger-at-dangerous-igniters
"Fireworks
factory explosion kills four: Gozo in shock", 7.9.2010, http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=111735
"Gharb
fireworks factory explosion claims it's sixth victim", 8.9.2010, http://gozonews.com/14624/the-gharb-fireworks-factory-explosion-claims-its-sixth-victim/
2009
Floriana. A boy (13), who was with a group of friends
near the St Publius parish church, was injured during the opening stages of the
Floriana fireworks festival, when a piece of firework exploding from one of the
Catherine wheels hit him close to the eye. - The boy was way behind the
perimeter established by police barriers, eyewitnesses said. 25.4.2009
Source:
"Boy injured during Floriana fireworks festival", 27.4.2009, http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=87001
Ghaxaq. A woman (33) suffered fireworks burns to her
face, neck and chest in St Philip's Square during the Ghaxaq feast. She was hit
by ground fireworks.14.8.2009
Source:
"Woman, 33, critically injured in
fireworks accident", 16.8.2009, http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/2009/08/16/t18.html
"'I didn't see anything, but suddenly my hair was on fire'",
16.8.2009, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090816/local/i-didnt-see-anything-but-suddenly-my-hair-was-on-fire
"Fireworks
injury in Ghaxaq", 17.8.2009, http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=92661
St Julian. A series of explosions on a barge filled
with fireworks in Balluta Bay shook St Julians. The barge was due to let off a
fireworks display later in the evening on the occasion of the feast of St
Gregory in Sliema. No one was injured as no one was on the barge at the time of
the explosion. Some residents said they experienced a rumbling sensation as if
an earthquake had struck their homes. 6.9.2009
Source:
"Video: Explosions on fireworks barge", 6.9.2009, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090906/local/explosions-on-fireworks-barge-in-sliema
"No one injured in St Julians
fireworks barge explosion", 7.9.2009, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090907/local/no-one-injured-in-st-julians-fireworks-barge-explosion
"Sliema mayor satisfied with barge
precautions", 7.9.2009, http://www.di-ve.com/Default.aspx?ID=72&Action=1&NewsId=63800&newscategory=31
Ghaxaq. The Ghaxaq St Joseph fireworks factory exploded.
No one was in the complex at the time, so no one was hurt. The explosion was
heard over a wide area at about 11.45 p.m. The blast took place in the middle of
a cluster of rooms, damaging the façade of the complex. 24.9.2009
Source:
"Explosion at Ghaxaq fireworks
factory", 25.9.2009, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090925/local/ghaxaq-fireworks-factory-explodes
"Cause of fireworks factory blast
remains a mystery", 25.9.2009, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090925/local/cause-of-fireworks-factory-blast-remains-a-mystery
Bidnija. A man (26) was critically injured after an
explosion at a fireworks factory. He was taken to hospital and is believed to
have suffered burns on 90 per cent of his body. Two other men (81 and 39) were
treated in hospital for minor injuries. Some other men escaped with superficial
injuries.
Debris from the blast were scattered over a wide radius,
prompting fears that other unexploded petards may still be present in the
surrounding fields. Members of the police and civil protection department had to
evacuate the area. 24.10.2009
Source:
"Updated: Man critically injured in
fireworks blast", 24.10.2009, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20091024/local/man-injured-in-bidnija-fireworks-explosion
"Man, 26, in danger of dying after
fireworks explosion", 25.10.2009, http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/2009/10/25/t16.html
"Man critical after explosion", 25.10.2009, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20091025/local/man-critical-after-explosion
2008
Naxxar. Two persons have been killed and another three
were injured after a violent explosion of a garage full of fireworks illegally
stored in Hal Dghejf Street. The explosion was so big that nearby houses and
cars were severely damaged and damages were noticed in houses miles away. The
two dead are Paul Camilleri (57) who is believed to have stored the explosives,
and Sina Sammut (33), mother of two, who lived in the neighbouring residence.
To search the rubble to try to establish if there were
any other victims became more dangerous as civil
protection officials discovered another two garages full of illegal fireworks in
the vicinity. Army explosives experts removed tons of explosive materials from
the residential area.
Residents of neighbouring
houses have been evacuated because their houses have suffered serious structural
damage.
Hours after the explosion (after the fire broke out),
fireworks could still be seen erupting from the wreckage of the garage.
Since the blast occurred, Civil Protection Department (CPD)
personnel have been tirelessly working round the clock to find the body of Mr
Camilleri. Some of his body parts were found Wednesday, the day of the explosion.
The search for Mr Camilleri's body was called off Saturday night.
12.3.2008
Source:
"Naxxar
blast, tons of fireworks being removed" (article followed by comments by
readers), 12.3.2008, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20080312/local/update-7-naxxar-blast-tons-of-firework-being-removed
"Devastation
at Naxxar" (picture of the scene, followed by comments by readers),
12.3.2008, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20080312/local/devastation-at-naxxar
"Two
dead in Malta after freak fireworks incident", 12.3.2008, http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/191860,two-dead-in-malta-after-freak-fireworks-incident.html
"Violent
explosion kills two, destroys three houses in Naxxar" (with many pictures),
12.3.2008, http://www.maltastar.com/pages/msrv/msfullart.asp?an=19528
"Naxxar
explosion: One dead, one missing as three houses demolished," 13.3.2008, http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=66295
In
Pictures: Naxaar explosion à
http://www1.di-ve.com/election08/galleries/Naxxar_disaster/index.html
"Young
mother's body found under debris", 13.3.2008, http://www.maltamedia.com/artman2/publish/law_order/article_5346.shtml
"'Miraculous'
escape for 15-year old who was inside collapsing building" (with pictures),
13.3.2008, http://www.maltastar.com/pages/msrv/msfullart.asp?an=19557
"Fatal
Naxxar explosion. Psychological help, material support for victims",
15.3.2008, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20080315/local/psychological-help-material-support-for-victims
"Let
us grieve, but not become a lych mob", 16.3.2008, http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/2008/03/16/phansen.html
"Naxxar
blast. Search for second body called off", 18.3.2008, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20080318/local/search-for-second-body-called-off
Zebbug.
A boy (14) was playing with fireworks in Vjal il-Helsien, when he badly injured
his hand. 13.4.2008
Source:
"Zebbug boy injured by firecracker", 13.4.2008, http://www.di-ve.com/Default.aspx?ID=72&Action=1&NewsId=50763&newscategory=36
2007
Gharghur,
Birkirkara. Five men
are missing and one is in stable condition after two big explosions on Wednesday,
June 27, took place at St Helena fireworks factory in an area known as Ta'
Xwieki, limits of Gharghur. The fireworks factory, located inside a disused
quarry, was destroyed completely after the second explosion took place at about
6.20pm, just 20 minutes after the first blast. While the search and rescue team
could not access the site due to a number of pyrotechnic flashes that could
still be heard exploding until about 10pm, the search for the missing men is
expected to go on Thursday.
A
man suffered serious injuries to his head, right arm and left shoulder.
27.6.2007
Source:
"Explosion
at St. Helen's fireworks factory", 27.6.2007, http://www.di-ve.com/dive/portal/portal.jhtml?id=281233&pid=23
"St
Helena fireworks factory explosion: Five men missing, one seriously injured",
28.6.2007, http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=53442
"Malta
fireworks factory blows up", 28.6.2007, http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/411749/1205596
|
"One
body recovered as search resumes", 27.6.2007, http://www.maltastar.com/pages/msFullArt.asp?an=13146:
Early on Thursday morning, rescuers continued the search for five persons
who are still missing following Wednesday afternoon's violent explosions at
the St Helen's Fireworks factory, in Gharghur. Late on Wednesday night, the
rescuers had to abandon searches in the factory, as blasts in the fireworks
factory area continued until late in the evening. On Thursday morning, the
explosions subsided, but several parts of the factory site were still on
fire. The remains of a man were recovered from the debris.
|
|
"Search
finds two victims, to continue on Friday", 28.6.2007, http://www.di-ve.com/dive/portal/portal.jhtml?id=281305&pid=23
and "Second fireworks victim found", 27.6.2007, http://www.maltastar.com/pages/msFullArt.asp?an=13146:
A second body was found amongst the rubble on Thursday afternoon, after a
first victim had been found under the debris in the morning:
|
|
Images
of the explosion: http://gallery.di-ve.com/Fireworks_factory_Birkirkara/Contributions/ |
|
"Five
bodies found – Malta fireworks plant blast", 29.6.2007, http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070628/NEWS01/306280045:
Authorities have recovered three bodies on Friday.
|
|
"Bodies
of fireworks factory's five victims found, 30.6.2007, http://www.maltastar.com/pages/msFullArt.asp?an=13185:
The lifeless bodies of
Sonny Portelli and Richard Cardona (24) were found on Thursday. Over thirty six
hours after the three violent explosions shattered the St Helen's Fireworks
Factory in Gharghur, on Friday morning, the bodies of the three other
victims, Censu Galea (68), Carmel Farrugia (22) and Paul Bonnici (47) were found close to
each other. |
|
"Tuesday
funerals for fireworks factory victims", 29.6.2007, http://www.maltamedia.com/artmann2/publish/law_order/article_2476.shtml |
|
"Explosion
victims to be buried on Saturday", 10.7.2007, http://www.maltamedia.com/artman2/publish/local/article_2627.shtml:
The five victims of the St Helen fireworks factory tragedy on the 27th
June, will be buried on Saturday, after DNA tests established the identities
of four of the lifeless bodies found at the scene in Gharghur. |
| "2001
Cabinet memo legalised St Helen's Fireworks Factory", 11.7.2007, http://www.timesofmalta.com/core/article.php?id=26779 |
|
"Blasts
at St Helen fireworks factory: Residents strongly oppose reconstruction of
factory", 25.7.2007, http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=54849:
The residents of the street, part of which lies in Madliena, have filed a judicial protest and a
formal objection against the reconstruction of the fireworks factory. Before their homes were shaken
and some extensively damaged by the fireworks explosion, residents had been
planning to launch a campaign against the fireworks factories. – The residence
that lies closest to the factory is said to have sustained about Lm20,000
(EUR46,587) worth of damage.
|
Fireworks have claimed over 100 lives
over the past century, according to police historian, who is researching
fireworks related deaths.
Source: "Over 100 fireworks
deaths in a century", 22.11.2007, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20071122/local/over-100-fireworks-deaths-in-a-century
Zurrieq. One man died and another one is fighting for
his life following a huge explosion at St. Catherine fireworks factory. The men
were mixing gunpowder when the barrel exploded and flattened the room. Members
of the bomb disposal unit hauled out the body of Zaren Barbara (62). 15.11.2007
Source:
"One dead, one fighting for his
life in fireworks factory explosion", 15.11.2007, http://www.di-ve.com/dive/portal/portal.jhtml?id=292394&pid=23
"Zurrieq fireworks factory blast
leaves one man dead, another on danger list", 15.11.2007, http://www.maltastar.com/pages/msFullArt.asp?an=16538
|
"Another accident in a fireworks factory:
Man critical after chemical reaction", 27.11.2007, http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=61118:
Alfred Cassar, the second man involved in the St Catherine's fireworks
explosion died on November 26, 2007.
|
|
"Firework factory owner fined €7,000 for
manslaughter", 13.5.2011, http://www.di-ve.com/Default.aspx?ID=72&Action=1&NewsId=83243&newscategory=36:
Malta. Vincent Falzon (45) who owns the Santa Katerina firework factory was
fined €7,000 for the involuntary manslaugher of Alfred Cassar in 2007. Mr
Cassar was killed in an explosion in the factory on November 15, 2007. The
same explosion also took the lives of two other men.
Magistrate Demicoli said Mr Falzon's only mistake had
been allowing one of the victims, who did not have a license to make
fireworks, to go on the site.
Apart
from the fine, Mr Falzon was ordered to pay €3,000 in court charges. His
fireworks license was also suspended. |
Lija. Anthony Farrugia (51) is in critical condition
after he was injured by a chemical reaction that took place at St Michael's
fireworks factory. 26.11.2007
Source:
"Another accident in a fireworks factory: Man critical after chemical
reaction", 27.11.2007, http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=61118
2006
Hal-Farrug.
No one was injured when a room packed with pyrotechnic petards at a fireworks
factory exploded, rocking the locality at about 9 p.m. on Sunday. The room was
destroyed in the explosion. 5.2.2006
Source:
"Fireworks
factory blast", 6.2.2006, http://www.timesofmalta.com/core/article.php?id=213927
"Nobody
injured in fireworks explosion", 7.2.2006, http://217.145.4.56/ind/news.asp?newsitemid=27909
Misran
Bormla, Cospicua. Two
men (43/51) and a boy (6) were slightly injured after some material used for
fireworks exploded. 19.3.2006
Source:
"Men slightly injured after explosive material blast", 20.3.2006, http://www.maltamedia.com/news/2005/ln/article_9319.shtml
"Boy injured as fireworks explode“, 19.3.2006, http://www.di-ve.com/dive/portal/portal.jhtml?id=223657&pid=117
Vittoriosa.
A container full of petards exploded on a barge off Fort St. Angelo, during
celebrations of St Lawrence's feast. The explosion sent pieces of metal flying
through the air. A number of Senglea residents reported damages to their windows
and doors. Eye witnesses said that the petard packed container was set off after
being hit by sparks from the fireworks display. 10.8.2006
Source:
"No
one injured in fireworks explosion aboard a barge", 12.8.2006, http://www.di-ve.com/dive/portal/portal.jhtml?id=244037
"Fireworks
explosion leaves no casualties", 11.8.2006, http://www.maltamedia.com/news/2005/ln/article_11074.shtml
Wied
Babu. A boy (13)
picked up a discarded petard which exploded, causing him grievous injuries on
his hands. 19.9.2006
Source:
"13-year-old
boy seriously injured by petard", 19.9.2006, http://www.maltamedia.com/news/2005/ln/article_11578.shtml
"Boy
injured in fireworks explosion", 19.9.2006, http://www.di-ve.com/dive/portal/portal.jhtml?id=248604&pid=117
Explosion
at the Mgarr fireworks factory, which took place after a fire broke out in the
storage room of the factory. Nobody was on site at the time of the accident, so
that nobody was injured. 26.9.2006
Source:
"No one injured in fireworks factory explosion", 26.9.2006, http://www.di-ve.com/dive/portal/portal.jhtml?id=249188&pid=23
2005
Wied
Qirda (between Siggiewi and Zebbug). Antoine Cilia (36) and Charles Farrugia
(59) lost their lives and another five men were injured when the fireworks
factory of the De Rohan Band Club exploded at around 3.40 p.m. Two of injured
men, Anthony Agius (42) and Joseph Zammit (38), are in critical condition. Mr
Agius suffered around 90% burns, Mr Zammid suffered both burns and broken bones.
Saviour Cuschieri, Alex Attard and Brian Bugeja suffered from minor burns.
There
were four explosions, two of these were so powerful that were heard in and felt
in several localities around Malta.
St
Joseph feast in Zebbug, which is usually celebrated each year in the last week
of July, was cancelled as a respect to the victims of the tragedy.
4.7.2005
Quelle:
"Two
died in Wied Qirda fireworks factory blast: Five injured, two in serious
condition", 8.7.2005, http://217.145.4.56/ind/news.asp?newsitemid=18299
"Two
persons die in Zebbug fireworks factory explosion", 4.7.2005, http://www.maltamedia.com/news/2005/ln/article_6608.shtml
"Zebbug
feast cancelled", 5.7.2005, http://www.maltamedia.com/news/2005/ln/article_6614.shtml
|
In
Pictures: the fireworks factory explosion under http://gallery.di-ve.com/Fireworks_factory_explosion/
and http://gallery.di-ve.com/fireworks_factory_incident/
|
|
"Fireworks
explosion – He kept his promise, victim's wife says", 6.7.2005, http://www.timesofmalta.com/core/article.php?id=192367:
Antoine Cilia (34) made his wife a promise: this would be the last year he
would manufacture fireworks. He was killed 4.7. in one of the worst
fireworks factory explosions in recent history. He left his wife Lorraine
(33) and his children Jim (10), Janice (8) and Jerome (9 months). He died
together with his friend Charles Farrugia (59), at the factory in Wird Qirda
in Siggiewi, where they have been working in preparation for the feast of
St. Joseph on July 31. Anthony Agius (42) and Joe Zammit (38) are still in
hospital, their condition is critical but stable. Three other workers who
were slightly injured, have been discharged.
|
|
"Crowd
cram church for fireworks victims' funeral", 8.7.2005, http://217.145.4.56/ind/news.asp?newsitemid=18413
|
|
"God
has nothing to do with it", 10.7.2005, http://217.145.4.56/ind/news.asp?newsitemid=18496
|
|
"Man
involved in Zebbug explosion released from hospital", 14.7.2005, http://www.maltamedia.com/news/2005/ln/article_6710.shtml:
Anthony Agius (42), one of the two men, who suffered extensive burns
following the Zebbug fireworks factory explosions, was released from
hospital. He was in critical condition after he suffered around 90 per cent
burns.
|
|
"Man
injured in fireworks factory explosion dies", 15.8.2005, http://www.maltamedia.com/news/2005/ln/article_7065.shtml
and "Third man in St. Joseph fireworks factory explosion passes away in
hospital", 15.8.2005, http://www.di-ve.com/dive/portal/portal.jhtml?id=194647:
Joseph Zammit (39) who was in hospital after being critically wounded in the
Zebbug fireworks factory explosion on the 4th July, died in the
morning.
|
|
"Fireworks
blast claims third life", 15.8.2005, http://www.timesofmalta.com/core/article.php?id=196461:
Joe Zammit (39) died of his injuries six weeks after an explosion devastated
the fireworks factory of St Joseph's De Rohan Band Club in Wied Qirda. He
left his wife Marvic (34) and his three children Wayne (12), Michaela (9)
and Manuel (7).
|
Gharb,
Gozo. No-one was
injured when a fireworks container exploded at the Gharb factory in Birbuba
Street this morning about 0100 CEST. 19.8.2005
Source:
"Explosion
at fireworks factory", 19.8.2005, http://www.di-ve.com/dive/portal/portal.jhtml?id=195265&pid=1
"Fireworks
factory explosion in Gozo", 19.8.2005, http://www.maltamedia.com/news/2005/ln/article_7108.shtml
|
"Explosion
flattens Gozo fireworks factory", 20.8.2005, http://www.timesofmalta.com/core/article.php?id=196816
(in this article you find a picture of the destroyed factory): By the
massive fireworks factory explosion several homes were damaged in a
residential area some distance away. The explosion took place at 1 a.m. when
nobody was there; so no one was injured. Eight out of 10 rooms making up the
factory were blown apart. The area was almost completely flattened, with big
stones seen metres away where the factory once stood. The blast was so big
that residences approximately a 30-minute walk away were affected, with a
holiday residence having three window panes shattered. – An outline
development permit to build another fireworks factory in the area (just 150
metres away from the 300-year-old San Dimitri chapel) was granted recently!!!
|
Zurrieq.
A small explosion took place at the Zurrieq Tal-Karmnu fireworks factory while
the leftovers were being cleared away. Following the locality's festa, the
people responsible gathered all the leftovers from the fireworks and put a match
to them; some live material was still among the debris and exploded.
Source:
29.8.2005, http://217.145.4.56/ind/news.asp?newsitemid=20605
Iklin.
Robert Farrugia (58), also known as Robbie, died in an explosion on spot just
after 9 a.m., at the St Gabriel fireworks factory. According to investigations,
he was carrying a mixture of explosive called tal-beraq, which blew up in his
hands. The fireworks factory was not damaged in the blast. 14.9.2005
Source:
"Man
dies in explosion at fireworks factory", 14.9.2005, http://www.timesofmalta.com/core/article.php?id=breaking&date=20050914
"Man
dies in fireworks factory explosion", 14.9.2005, http://www.maltamedia.com/news/2005/ln/article_7390.shtml
"Man
dies in fireworks blast", 15.9.2005, http://217.145.4.56/ind/news.asp?newsitemid=21344
"Balzan
man dies in fireworks factory blast", 15.9.2005, http://www.timesofmalta.com/core/article.php?id=199228
Qrendi.
Albert Bondin (52) was injured while working at the Lourdes fireworks factory.
While mixing chemicals, the man was severely burned in his face, hands and chest.
13.10.2005
Source:
"Man
injured in fireworks factory", 12.10.2005,
http://www.di-ve.com/dive/portal/portal.jhtml?id=203652&pid=117
"Man
injured in fireworks factory dies in hospital", 21.10.2005, http://www.maltamedia.com/news/2005/ln/article_7771.shtml
Lija.
No one was injured in an explosion that occurred outside the Saint Michael's
fireworks factory at around 3 a.m. Volunteers working at the fireworks factory
were mixing some chemicals used for fireworks outside the factory. There was a
chemical reaction which caused the explosion. 21.11.2005
Source:
"Explosion
at fireworks factory", 22.11.2005, http://217.145.4.56/ind/news.asp?newsitemid=24653
"No
one injured in fireworks factory explosion", 21.11.2005, http://www.maltamedia.com/news/2005/ln/article_8138.shtml
"No
negative consequences after fireworks factory explosion", 22.11.2005, http://www.di-ve.com/dive/portal/portal.jhtml?id=208180&pid=1
2004
Kercem,
Gozo. A fireworks
factory exploded on Tuesday. Fortunately no one was injured in the explosion
since no one was on location when the incident occurred at around 0800CET in an
area known as Tal-Kartell.
29.6.2004
Source:
"Mnarja celebrations untainted by fireworks factory explosion, 29.6.2004,
http://www.maltamedia.com/cgi-bin/artman/exec/view.cgi?archive=1&num=2358
|
"No
one injured in Kercem fireworks factory explosion", 29.6.2004, http://www.di-ve.com/dive/portal/portal.jhtml?id=141567:
An explosion occurred within the gun powder mixing unit of the Kercem
fireworks factory (located in an area in between Kercem and Victoria
commonly known as Tal-Kartell) early morning. The explosion was heard
throughout all Gozitan localities.
|
Dingli.
A man (52) together with his son (13) and another youth (21) found some
explosives and tried to light one of them which exploded. The boy is in danger
of dying while his father and the other youth were grievously injured.
Source:
"13-year-old
in danger of dying, two injured, following fireworks explosion", 21.7.2004,
http://www.di-ve.com/dive/portal/portal.jhtml?id=144444&pid=23
Kirkop.
No-one was injured when a fireworks container exploded at the St. Joseph's
Fireworks factory at about 5:30 p.m. on the 24.11.2004
Quelle:
"No
one injured in fireworks factory explosion", 24.11.2004, http://www.maltamedia.com/cgi-bin/artman/exec/view.cgi?archive=1&num=4220
"Explosion
at fireworks factory", 25.11.2004, The Malta Independent Online-News
2003
Mqabba.
At 1300CET, a strong explosion has totally destroyed the gunpowder room of a
fireworks factory. Godwin Debono (50) died. The man did not die as a result of burns but
after being hit by pieces of flying debris during the explosion. There were
various small explosions following the incident. The first explosion was heard
from several areas in Malta, including Fgura, Tarxien, Paola, Zebbug and
Siggiewi. 24.4.2003
Source:
News
Headlines, 24.4.2003, http://www.di-ve.com/dive/portal/portal.jhtml?id=85157&pid=1
"Man
dies in fireworks factory explosion", http://www.di-ve.com/dive/portal/portal.jhtml?id=87065&pid=1
à
You can find pictures of the Fireworks' factory explosion at Mqabba/Malta,
24.4.2003, under http://www.di-ve.com/dive/portal/portal.jhtml?pid=8507&id=8509&rootId=8515&folderId=87089
|
"Man
guilty of involuntary murder after fireworks factory blast", 31.7.2006, http://www.di-ve.com/dive/portal/portal.jhtml?id=242743&pid=1:
A man (56) was fined
Lm5,000 after he was found guilty of the involuntary murder of another man, who
had died in an explosion at the fireworks factory at Ta' Kandja, limits of
Mqabba, on April 24th, 2003. He was found guilty of allowing
unlicensed and illegal manufacturing of fireworks that led to the death of
Godwin Debono.
|
...
In a statement, the Curia said that for the past years, the Church authorities
have appealed for prudence in letting of loud petards and moderation in money
spent on fireworks during parish feasts and encourage initiatives by those who
work to reduce the resources used in fireworks smoke.
...
The Church authorities condemned any case where loud petards caused
inconvenience to babies, the sick, the elderly and shift workers.
"Maltese
Church to issue tougher regulations on fireworks", 30.7.2003, http://www.di-ve.com/dive/portal/portal.jhtml?id=99486&pid=23
2002
Siggiewi. A strong explosion has totally flattened the gunpowder room of
the St. Nicholas fireworks factory. No one was hurt in the incident.
9.1.2002
Source: "Timeline: Deadly explosives accidents",
29.6.2007, http://www.di-ve.com/dive/portal/portal.jhtml?id=50942
Mqabba.
Simon Grech (32), Joseph Tanti (67) and Joseph Debono (30) were seriously
injured, two of them in danger of dying, in an explosion of a fireworks factory.
The first explosion took place in the three front barrels, used to mix gunpowder,
and also caused damage to the rubble walls in the vicinity. It happened at
around 1235 CET and was heard from
several parts of Malta. A series of
small explosions took place soon afterwards, thus completely damaging the three
front rooms. The storeroom of the fireworks factory, full of explosives, was in
imminent danger to explode; this led to the evacuation of the area surrounding
the fireworks factory.
26.3.2002
Source:
"Men
'critical but stable' after fireworks blast", 27.3.2002, http://www.di-ve.com/dive/portal/portal.jhtml?id=50910&pid=23
Iklin.
Cutajar (39) succumbed to injuries on May 07, 2002, after suffering severe burns
in the St. Gabriel fireworks explosion on April 28, 2002.
Source:
"Charged with manslaughter after fireworks factory blast", 3.5.2004,
http://www.di-ve.com/dive/portal/portal.jhtml?id=135230&pid=23
|
"Qormi
man still on danger list after fireworks incident", 29.4.2002, http://www.di-ve.com/dive/portal/portal.jhtml?id=53676&pid=23:
During the manufacture of fireworks, for an unknown reason the mixture
caught fire. Workers extinguished an ensuing blaze and rushed George Cutajar
(39) to hospital in a private car, where he was certified as suffering from
extensive burns amounting to 50 per cent of his body.
|
Ghaxaq
(situated at Sqaq Wied Dalam, limits of Birzebbugia). A man (23) is on the
danger list after being seriously injured (burns around 37 per cent in various
parts of his body) in an accident in Santa Marija fireworks factory around noon.
The man was holding explosive material which suddenly took fire and caused the
explosion. 27.7.2002
Source:
"Another fireworks factory accident in Birzebbugia", 27.7.2002,
http://www.di-ve.com/dive/portal/portal.jhtml?id=61582&pid=23
Tar-Ramel,
limits of Zebbug. A strong explosion in the barrel which is used to mix
gunpowder occurred at the fireworks factory of the 12th May Band Club around
2145 CET. A separate room, containing the generator for the barrel, was also
destroyed in the explosion. No one was injured.
26.7.2002
Source:
"No one injured in Zebbug fireworks factory explosion", 27.7.2002, http://www.di-ve.com/dive/portal/portal.jhtml?id=61575&pid=23
2000
Kercem,
Gozo Island. Adrian Agius (45) died when working at Kercem's fireworks factory
15 ta'Awwissu Vampa tal-Ljun. 28.1.2000
Source:
"Fireworks-related disasters in Gozo", 12.9.2010, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100912/local/fireworks-related-disasters-in-gozo
An
elderly fireworks enthusiast was taken into the Intensive Care Unit after
suffering extensive burns when explosives blew up as he prepared the mixture in
a Qormi factory at around 12.45 p.m. He was in a critical condition as a result
of his injuries. Two other men were standing outside at the time of the blast and
suffered slight injuries as a result. 2.3.2000
Source:
"Elderly man injured in fireworks blast", 3.3.2000, http://www.di-ve.com/dive/portal/portal.jhtml?id=11969&pid=25
|
"Timeline: Deadly explosives accidents",
29.6.2007, http://www.di-ve.com/dive/portal/portal.jhtml?id=50942:
Qormi. Baldassare Facciol (70) lost his life when he suffered extensive
burns as explosives blew up as he prepared the mixture in a Qormi factory.
He was making the usual explosive mixture for rockets when it blew up at
around 1245CET. The building belonged to the Pinto philharmonic society.
|
1998
Wied
Qirda (between Siggiewi and Zebbug). Explosion in a fireworks factory. (There
will be another explosion in this factory exactly seven years later on 4th
July 2005.) 4.7.1998
Source:
"Zebbug feast cancelled", 5.7.2005,
http://www.maltamedia.com/news/2005/ln/article_6614.shtml
1997
Santa
Margerita valley, limits of Munxar. Joe Grima and his father-in-law, Mikiel
Azzopardi (52), died after an explosion at a fireworks factory. (In 1980, Mr
Azzopardi had lost half of the palm and some fingers of one of his hands when a
petard ignited.) 23.10.1997
Source:
"Fireworks-related disasters in Gozo", 12.9.2010, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100912/local/fireworks-related-disasters-in-gozo
1994
Gharghur,
Birkirkara. Ninu
Borg (71) died when a part of the St Helen's fireworks factory exploded. 1994
Source:
"No lessons learnt", 1.7.2007, http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/2007/07/01/t13.html
1993
Qortin
taz-Zebbug, Gozo Island. Guzeppi Cini (49) and Godwin Cini (21) lost their lives
while manufacturing explosives at their fireworks factory. 14.7.1993
Source:
"Fireworks-related disasters in Gozo", 12.9.2010, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100912/local/fireworks-related-disasters-in-gozo
1984
Ta'
Zabetta, limits of Sannat, Gozo Island. An explosion demolished the Cilia
Fireworks Factory. Owner Toni Cilia (78) and his son Joseph (58) died as a
result of the explosion. Another victim was Joseph Attard (31) who on that day
happened to be there to buy fireworks. 18.6.1984
Source:
"Fireworks-related disasters in Gozo", 12.9.2010, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100912/local/fireworks-related-disasters-in-gozo
Gozo-Comino Channel. Seven services personnel died in a fireworks
explosion on a patrol boat about five miles off Comino.
Five soldiers and two policemen died when illegal
fireworks which were about to be dumped into the sea exploded on the bow of the
small patrol boat C-23. The sole survivor, despite being badly injured, managed
to beach the craft on Comino.
The explosion took the lives of Bombardier Joseph Pace
(36), Gunner William Simpson (36), Private Anthon Vella (20), Police Sergeant
Saviour Muscat (30) and Police Constable Joseph Hare (24). To this day,
Bombardier Francis Borg (36) and Private Anthony Farrugia (27), were never found
and are presumed dead. 7.9.1984
Source:
"Over 100 fireworks deaths
in a century", 22.11.2007, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20071122/local/over-100-fireworks-deaths-in-a-century
"Updated: Patrol boat explosion
tragedy recalled", 7.9.2009, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090907/local/patrol-boat-tragedy-recalled
"Anniversary of a fireworks tragedy",
7.9.2009, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090907/local/anniversary-of-a-fireworks-tragedy
1980
Zebbug.
An explosion at a fireworks factory kills a young man and a boy and leads to a
temporary suspension in the manufacture and letting off of fireworks. 11.7.1980
Source:
"Newsletter: July 2005, Volume 3 - Number 28",
http://www.aboutmalta.com/newsletter/0328.shtml
1974
Kercem,
Gozo Island. A day after the feast of Our Lady of Assistance was celebrated,
some children found a number of petards in an empty well near the local school.
They extracted the content from a petard and then they proceeded to the steps
leading to the Paris Centre and filled a water pipe with explosive material. A
fuse was attached to the pipe and when it was ignited Gregory Gambin (12) died
instantly. His brother Anton (14) was seriously injured and died soon after in
hospital. Two other children suffered serious injuries. 15.7.1974
Source:
"Fireworks-related disasters in Gozo", 12.9.2010, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100912/local/fireworks-related-disasters-in-gozo
1970
Ghaxaq/Malta. Five men died when the St Joseph
fireworks factory exploded during the afternoon. 15.2.1970
Source:
"Explosion at Ghaxaq fireworks
factory", 25.9.2009, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090925/local/ghaxaq-fireworks-factory-explodes
"Cause of fireworks factory blast
remains a mystery", 25.9.2009, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090925/local/cause-of-fireworks-factory-blast-remains-a-mystery
1968
Xewkija,
Gozo Island. Carmelo Rapa (11) died when he tried to open a petard which he
found in a field. Two boys who were in the vicinity suffered only minor injuries.
It had been discarded the previous day during the feast of St John the Baptist.
Children used to fill water pipes with the explosive mixture and ignite them for
amusement. 25.5.1968
Source:
"Fireworks-related disasters in Gozo", 12.9.2010, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100912/local/fireworks-related-disasters-in-gozo
1967
Zebbug,
Gozo Island. The illegal manufacture of fireworks continued unabated and no one
dared to report that fireworks were being manufactured and stored at the
Catholic Action Centre. The centre was completely wrecked after an explosion.
Mario Saliba (18) who was in the premises, died. - A man was charged with the
manslaughter of Mr Saliba and sentenced to six months imprisonment; the Court of
Appeal reduced the sentence to three months and imposed a fine. 18.8.1967
Source:
"Fireworks-related disasters in Gozo", 12.9.2010, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100912/local/fireworks-related-disasters-in-gozo
1963
Ghaxaq. A boy was beheaded by a petard while watching a
fireworks display. 1963
Source: "Over 100 fireworks deaths
in a century", 22.11.2007, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20071122/local/over-100-fireworks-deaths-in-a-century
1960
Pawlu
Vella was manufacturing fireworks near the old parish church when something went
wrong, causing an explosion. When the police arrived at the scene, Mr Vella was
already dead. 14.5.1960
Source:
"Fireworks-related disasters in Gozo", 12.9.2010, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100912/local/fireworks-related-disasters-in-gozo
1949
San
Lawrenz, Gozo Island.
An explosion at the Church Centre, where fireworks were being manufactured and
stored without a police permit. At the time of the explosion, Zarenu Formosa
(21), Victor Formosa (13) and Guzeppi Mizzi (18) were inside the building. The
three suffered serious injuries and Mr Formosa died nine days after being
admitted to hospital. 3.6.1949
Source:
"Fireworks-related disasters in Gozo", 12.9.2010, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100912/local/fireworks-related-disasters-in-gozo
Qala,
Gozo Island. Frangisku Camilleri (23) was manufacturing a petard in
a tin can when the device exploded. He died at the Gozo hospital after suffering
serious stomach injuries. 7.9.1949
Source:
"Fireworks-related disasters in Gozo", 12.9.2010, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100912/local/fireworks-related-disasters-in-gozo
1903
Balzan. Six people died in the band club, where
fireworks were manufactured and stored. 1903
Source: Over 100 fireworks deaths in a
century, 22.11.2007, http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20071122/local/over-100-fireworks-deaths-in-a-century
zurück