Fireworks enthusiast injured in Qormi blast

A fireworks enthusiast was seriously but not critically injured yesterday after an explosion at a room in Qormi used for the production of fireworks.

Geranz Azzopardi, known as ix-shark, was alone in the room, known as Ta' Cachia, when the explosion took place at about 1.40 p.m.

Mr Azzopardi lost at least three fingers in the blast, which onlookers said could be heard from as far afield as Mosta.

He managed to make his way out of the room and was then assisted by several men working at the San Gorg fireworks factory. In fact, it was initially thought the explosion had taken place at the San Gorg factory, situated just a few metres away from Ta' Cachia.

An ambulance was quickly on the scene and took Mr Azzopardi to hospital.

Civil Protection Department director Peter Cordina said his division heard the explosion from their base at Ta' Kandja and went on site immediately.

The CPD personnel were assisted by the army and the police, who cordoned off the area. Even the firemen themselves kept their distance from the site initially, fearing a second explosion.

About 1,000 gallons of water were pumped onto the smouldering room from a distance.

Explosives expert Albert Camilleri said the area was not expected to be certified safe until this morning due to the considerable amount of explosive material in the room.

He is expected to return to the area this morning in an attempt to establish the cause of the explosion.

Magistrate Joe Cassar held an on-site inquiry and appointed Col. Camilleri and Richard Aquilina to assist in the investigations.

This was the second fireworks explosion in the space of a month. The last one took place at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Fireworks Factory in Zurrieq. There were no casualties.