Fireworks explosion in Grand Harbour

There was a brief moment of tension at Vittoriosa yesterday evening when a container packed with petards on a floating barge inside the Grand Harbour exploded sending pieces of metal flying in the air without causing fatalities or serious injuries. The fireworks were being let off as part of the external celebrations of the feast of St Lawrence, Vittoriosa's patron saint.

An eye witness said that during the fireworks display sparks hit a container packed with petards causing an explosion which was heard as far as Valletta, the Three Cities and the vicinities.

Residents, particularly those at Senglea, reported damages to their windows and doors and were told by the police to file a report at the Cospicua Police station this morning.