Watch: “The Explosion Changed Our Lives” – Resident Recounts Thousands In Damages

Residents living near the site of the massive Naxxar fireworks factory explosion have described extensive damage to their homes, with some questioning how such a facility was allowed to operate so close to residential properties. One resident living close by told Lovin Malta that the force of the explosion was unlike anything he had ever experienced. “I’ve been living here for 11 years and I didn’t even know there was a fireworks factory so close by. This is a disgrace.” “The garage door was completely blown off, glass around the house was shattered, the balcony door was blown off and there are some small structural damages.” He estimates the damage to his home alone could amount to around €7,000. “I hope we’ll be compensated for the damages,” he said. “There wasn’t just one explosion. I went out of the room and felt the place shatter and things fly through the corridor,” he explained. He went on to say, “If the factory is abiding by the law by being there, then the law needs to change,” the resident said. “The explosion was so tremendous that you could say it changed our lives.” When asked whether authorities had provided residents with any explanation or support following the explosion, the man said little communication had taken place. “No authority spoke to us except for someone from the Civil Protection Department, whom I thank,” he said. “The Burmarrad parish priest was the only one who came to check on us and I thank him. No authorities came to check on us, no one asked if we need anything or if we need any help,” the man continued. When Lovin Malta visited the area, many residents could be seen outside their homes assessing and repairing damage caused by the blast. Several expressed anger that a fireworks factory had been permitted to operate so close to residential properties. •