Eight Gozitan Fireworks Enthusiasts Narrowly Escape Naxxar Explosion

A group of eight fireworks enthusiasts from Gozo narrowly avoided being caught up in Monday morning’s explosion at the Ta’ Lourdes fireworks factory in the limits of Naxxar. The men were on their way to the fireworks factory to continue preparations for the upcoming Fontana feast when the blast occurred, Times of Malta reported. Two had already arrived in Burmarrad and were close to the site, while the others were either crossing on the ferry or preparing to make the journey. Had the explosion occurred later in the morning, several of them could have already been inside the complex. The incident has struck a particular chord in Fontana, a locality that still remembers the devastating Għarb fireworks factory explosion of 2010, which claimed six lives and left a lasting impact on the community as five of the victims were from the same Fontana Family. Thankfully, no one was killed in Monday’s incident, with many calling it a miracle. Do you think stricter measures should be introduced to prevent incidents like this? •