Unused factory ablaze

Flames engulfed an unused factory in Paola yesterday evening and the police are investigating what led to the destruction of Acris Container Limited, which has been abandoned for 15 years.

The incident happened at about 5 p.m. and as the fire raged through the factory building, situated in Sir Paul Boffa Avenue, the police had to close off the road to allow the Civil Protection Department to douse the flames, leading to long tailbacks.

Fire engines from the CPD's stations in Kordin, Floriana and Hal Far were on site to extinguish the fire which fed on unused cardboard boxes and obsolete machinery. A private water bowser was also on site.

CPD director Peter Cordina said it was still too early to determine what caused the fire but sources said people had seen three children roaming the grounds earlier on.