Naxxar Fireworks Factory Explodes Eight Years After Fatal Blast

The devastating explosion which destroyed the Lourdes Fireworks Factory on the outskirts of Naxxar yesterday was not the first major incident to strike the site. Yesterday’s incident left two people with minor injuries however a lmost exactly eight years ago, the same factory was rocked by a series of explosions which left two people seriously injured and one of the victims later died from his injuries as reported by Times of Malta . Like Monday’s blast, the 2018 explosion sent thick plumes of smoke into the sky and was heard across neighbouring localities including Pembroke, Għargħur and St Paul’s Bay. However, while the earlier incident caused significant damage, it did not destroy the factory entirely. This week’s explosion appears to have completely obliterated the premises, with aerial footage showing extensive devastation across the site. The cause of the 2018 explosion remains unknown, with the findings of magisterial inquiries not made public. The incident is one of several serious fireworks factory accidents Malta has experienced over the years. An analysis of 99 fireworks-related accidents between 1980 and 2010 found that incidents had increased in frequency over the years, with deaths and injuries peaking in 2005. The report also found that Malta recorded an average of 2.3 fireworks factory accidents per year, significantly higher than comparable rates in countries such as the UK. As investigations continue into this week’s explosion, the incident has once again raised questions about safety standards within Malta’s fireworks industry and whether previous recommendations went far enough. The powerful blast at the Lourdes Fireworks Factory yesterday morning was so intense that it registered a magnitude of 1.9 on the Richter scale, according to seismic monitoring data, putting the force of the explosion on par with a minor earthquake. What do you make of this coicidence? •