UPDATE 7: Naxxar blast, tons of firework being removed

Gabriel Camenzuli

Mar 17th 2008, 23:09

After our country will hopefully settle the issue of hunting thanks to the ECJ, the next challenge will be fireworks manufacture and management. I am not preaching against fireworks. On the contrary I am amongst those who every year go to Hal-Lija and Mqabba to watch some amazing fireworks show. But more strict regulations and enforcement should be implemented. Unfortuntaely a lot of politicians are involved in festas and band clubs so they will be wary of any negative implications. But it is time to have the courage to face the reality and implement changes. We cannot afford to waste any more time or wait for the ECJ to put pressure on the Maltese govt to take action. This tragic accident should be enough to induce the authorities to take action and the public to inform the authorities of any irregularities even if it is against the interest of the band club or festas, or else such tragic accidents will occur again and again.

Maria Vella

Mar 16th 2008, 10:43

It's not wise to completely ban fireworks but these people must realise the great danger of their hobby and be responsible grownups! Im sure authorities take harsh measures whoever is caught irresponsible and stubborn must pay dearly although still no life can be brought back now.

Nicole Keeprs

Mar 14th 2008, 21:21

I think all fireworks have to be stored as far away from urban areas as possible. In Holland we had a fireworks factory in the middle of a residential area, which exploded. 22 people were killed, over 900 injured.
Don't think this stuff is innocent....

Major(Retired) Stan Millard

Mar 14th 2008, 18:09

I and my wife are affected by this needless firework explosion living 3-4 doors away in Hal-Dghejf. I have read todays article by Mark Micallef on page four and the back page comments by Georg Sapiano in today's Times and wholly agree. What I would like to add to this is, if the government is going to put into place these regulations and give the AFM fuller duties, then, the lighting of fireworks should be postponed until they are in place. Anyone igniting fireworks before, should be made a criminal offence.
Following that, all components for the fireworks sold should be to those with an explosives certificate only and recorded for regular checking. It will be known who and how much is being held by those registered.
Also that MEPA does not grant building within the regulated distance from firework factories, as was the case in Garghur last year when five people lost their lives.
Lastly, as the Sapiano article says, I wish not to have them banned altogether but remain part of the local culture and activities.
(Could this article also be printed in the Times of Malta)

Paul Savona

Mar 14th 2008, 16:30

Pamela, I assume (rightly or wrongly) that H. Farrugia thinks you were trying to put forward a political agenda/jibe (seeing the elections were such a hot topic). This of course would have been in bad taste.

I assume that your comment had no such political agenda other than stating the fact that the government needs to address the issue and deal with this issue once and for all. Which is, I must say, a valid and good point.

However, regarding his comment "By your arguments stop driving your cars. Stop this road madness which is leaving many people dead.", your guess is as good as mine.

Alexander Vella Gregory

Mar 14th 2008, 10:35

It is indeed a miracle that this incident did not cause more casualties. The survivors have not only suffered the loss of their loved ones, but of all the memories that were linked to their homes. I do hope that this serves a lesson for all those amongst us who are reluctant to report family & friends when there is any form of illegal activity going on.

As for a ban on fireworks; i think that a compromise should be reached, and that a compromise IS possible. I do appreciate the work that goes into fireworks production, but under NO circumstances can anyone justify endangering human lives for the sake of a hobby.

One also needs to ask; if the residents knew about the fireworks, what stopped them from reporting them to the police? were they perhaps not fully aware of the danger that they were living with? Or were they scared of being bullied and vicitmised by an individual or group of individuals? If so, are there adequate and effective legal measures to protect people in such cases? And will the goverment be giving compensation to those affected, who are now left with absolutely nothing?

We should take this incident as a crude wake-up call to get our act together and discuss the issue in a level-headed manner.

MELITA JAMES

Mar 14th 2008, 09:40

I am a resident in Hal-Dghejf Street, Naxxar, just 50 metres away from where the latest fireworks tragedy struck a few days ago. I never imagined that my street could turn to a street resembling one normally finds in war torn out Iraq.

My thoughts are with that young mother who died unnecessarily leaving her two young children behind. Who can take away the sadness of that woman’s family, her children, and her husband?

And what can we say for those who lost their houses, their belongings, and the damage caused to nearby homes?

Can we be assured that our street will be safe again to live in?

I appeal to all responsible citizens to report immediately any similar illegal activity before another tragedy occurs. I am sure that the authorities will do their utmost to prevent a similar disaster.

Pamela Hansen

Mar 13th 2008, 17:11

Can some one explain to me how the following comment, I sent in yesterday, : “Will we ever learn? Let's hope the PM makes it one of his priorities to tackle this madness once and for all”, elicited this response from H Farrugia: “Shame on Pamela Hanson for being a vulture after such a tragedy. By your arguments stop driving your cars. Stop this road madness which is leaving many people dead. My prayers go to that young victim who left her husband and two children. May God be with them. They really need our prayers.”

N. Said

Mar 13th 2008, 16:31

I think that rather than defending Mrs Camilleri one should question whether she should be held responsible for the actions of her husband as she surely must have known that he kept fireworks in the garage. it was her property as well after all. Her lack of responsibility regarding the safety of herself her family and her neighborhood contributed to the loss of a civilian. Had Mrs Camilleri been responsible enough to try and enter some common sense into her husband or if not report him herself to teach him a lesson all this would have been avoided.

On the other side one cannot say that fireworks should be banned because of this as it would be unfair. When the measures that are taken in these circumstances are harshed up one would think it twice to store fireworks at home or in a garage and also whoever thinks "u iwa" would certainly think it twice if people like mrs Camilleri were held responsible.

Alfred Cassar

Mar 13th 2008, 14:14

We shouldn't be talking about ban. After all drugs are banned but they are still smuggled in.
We should try to isolate these irresponsible people involved in illegal activity. Is it possible that nobody in the area noticed this illegal activity going on for who knows how long?
We should be responsible enough to report these irresponsible people who put their lives and that of other people in clear danger.

Vicki Soler Azzopardi

Mar 13th 2008, 13:29

I agree with Dr Ivan Gatt (below) in that we contribute with €2 from our monthly pay cheque in order to help these people. What do others think of such a noble act ?

Robert Sultana

Mar 13th 2008, 09:47

Hadrian Aguis, yThrowing hunting and fireworks in the same mould is like comparing a kid's bike with a battletank. They are 2 different things altogether. For starters just look at their respective fatality rate these past 25 yrs for example. And I happen to know personally the dead woman's husband,who incidentally is a hunter, and what he for sure doesn't need right now is your type of criticism.

L Barbara

Mar 13th 2008, 09:06

This man broke the law and this is what we should be looking at, its not fair that everyone pointing fingers at firework factories, this was an individuals ignorance a great tragedy my condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and those who where affected by this tragic incident

Sylvana DeBono

Mar 13th 2008, 08:57

Agreed Georg. Abolishing fireworks would be destroying also part of our tradition. Regulating these activities however, should not be beyond our powers as a civilised country. It is to be hoped that these two deaths have not been in vain and that anyone else with illegally stored fireworks, gets rid of them to an appropriate location. Unfortunately, this deadly stuff is normally very quietly smuggled in...just think about it: having a very simple bumper to bumper car crash and ending up in an explosion because one of the cars is surreptitiously carrying fireworks.

Sandro Pace

Mar 13th 2008, 08:31

The argument brought by an aspiring politician in this forum is the sole reason why these things happen. Too soft, lest they lose vote from any side. Decide on which side you are mr. sapiano. The citizen's interest and safety is more precious than votes.

When people's lives are at risk, it is not a question of 'willing', but of grabbing people to agree. Illegal fireworks manufacturing in urban areas should be a criminal act punishable by months of jail.

Fines are not being a deterrent, as they still continue to operate after some time.

Besides, the car argument is irrational. Cars are much more safe than a fireworks factory beneath you. And we cant do without them.

I am not for a complete ban, not because I like fireworks. I am not excited by a few colours in the sky. But if things persist this way, I will be for a ban.

Some of these manufacturers does not seem to care for their lives, and so does not even have respect for others'. They seems carefree. nothing will stop them except a ban.

It is irrisponsible for those who manufacture or store illegal fireworks near buildings.

This was murder.

Robert C Conti

Mar 13th 2008, 07:52

Time has come to show the iron fist and abolish the use of fireworks once and for all.

Derek Lawbuary

Mar 13th 2008, 07:20

My condolences to the families of the deceased and to the injured.

Corinne Vella

Mar 13th 2008, 00:20

As far as I understand, all the necessary legal controls are in place to ensure that fireworks production happens aware from inhabited areas. Something's missing in the chain of control. There are calls for better policing, but surely the weakest link is the reckless and self centred "enthusiast" who cares little about putting himself at risk and much less about risking the lives of others.

Georg Sapiano:
That sounds like a reasonable approach but the solution is to remove the danger zone, not put people outside it.

Graham Crocker

Mar 12th 2008, 23:13

This is by far, the most unfair thing that happened, because of somebody's hobby.

We all realize that tradition is important, (hunting,fireworks and all that), but look at the Romanians and their Blood Feud Heritage, where families kill families over vendetta spanning decades, some even centuries.
Weird ain't they?

Ever wonder if foreigners are saying the same thing about us with the Hunting and Fireworks?

Now when somebody blows himself up, because of his hobby its one thing. It's his body he can do what he wants with it for all I care, but when his Hobby destroys a whole neighborhood and 2 families (1 of which is innocent)... my blood boils.

Now I'm no firework enthusiast, I don't think fireworks should be banned.

I just think it should be more regulated (since we've all finally realized that this hobby has fatalities that now include innocent people) .

In America, I saw a firework factory it was enormous and in the middle of nowhere.
Thats the way it should be.

If one is doing fireworks in his garage where everyone lives, he should be reported, immediately arrested and given a sentence of attempted murder of the number of people in the neighborhood.

Saying that : his family knew about his dirty little hobby, what will happen to them?
Will we just feel sorry for them and let life go on?

I don't feel sorry for them, its that poor mother's family who I feel sorry for, what the hell are her kids going to do when they arrive home from school?

Find out they don't have a home and their mother went away along with the home.

Its just...Sick how selfish some people can be.

The Police should crack down on these people before they kill somebody else.

My condolences goes out to all who lost from this incident.

Mario Saliba

Mar 12th 2008, 22:45

Another familiy ruined for someone irresponsible. For how long do we have to stand this? Its not the first time that such thing has happened.
Such an explosion could have left more victims!
I know how difficult this must be for those who suffered such precious loss. You are always in my thoughts and prayers.

louise bruno

Mar 12th 2008, 22:25

when are the authorities going to crack down on such events happening in Malta, lives are lost due to people turning a blind eye, this is another tragedy were the government have yet more blood on there hands. Its a disgrace to think that a man can perform such acts in a garage and nothing was done about it.

Diana Borg Cardna

Mar 12th 2008, 22:07

To whoever accused Pamela Hanson of wanting to abolish fireworks, you obviously haven't read her articles. She only mentions the banning of petards and has many followers. I personally cannot think of any reason to havethem,they aren't pretty and coming at allhurs of the day & night, are just noise polution, besides the fact that they terrify young children & animals & disturb elederly people.
For some reason or other, wehad several ofthese overthe last few days of campaigning for the elections & again after the result came out.Nomatterwhich party was doing this, it was totally un-necessary & didn't bring them any extra votes.
We should takethe present legislation on firweworks and up-date it. The idea of a couple of proper, licensed factories for ALL Festas with regular & stringent checks should be the solution.
AND as many people have said, neighbours & friends of persons who are known to be manufacturing/storing fireworks in a built-up area should be reporting these to the relevant authorities. And if and wehn accidents occur, if they have failed to do so,they should be taken to court & prosecuted for endangering the lives of other citizens.

nikki attard

Mar 12th 2008, 21:10

when i hear of tragedies like this my heart misses a beat, not only for the people who are injured or lost but also for my husband and his colleages who are firefighters. these careless people dont realise the lives that are put in jeopardy every time they make a 'mistake'. so sadly its gonna be a long night for us wives, mothers and family, waiting for our men to come home!

Alexander Pace

Mar 12th 2008, 20:51

It is high time that the citizens react and report any illegal activity. It is shamefull that for the enjoyment of some irresponsible person(s), others have to suffer. Legislation alone is not enough.

Stephen Petroni

Mar 12th 2008, 20:43

Only rationality and resolve deliver positive results. Emotional outbursts, although to be expected, only point to the wrong solutions. Bans are never a solution. Regulation and enforcement are the tools we have at our disposal. Let's use them properly to ensure that such horrific accidents are avoided. Through this message I wish to convey my condolences to the families of the persons who lost their lives.

M. Mifsud

Mar 12th 2008, 20:16

Its not about banning fireworks. Its about banning firework production as a "hobby". Explosive maufacture as a "hobby" or as a cottage industry is just sheer madness.

If feast/event organisers want to spend their money in fireworks they can either import them from abroad or else manufacture them in a fully certified site managed by engineers and other qualified people. People fascinated by dentistry aren't allowed to start drilling away at people`s teeth.....same should apply for people fascinated by explosives.

The current status quo of people with hobbies manufacturing and storing explosives in scores of sites spread across the island is puzzling beyond belief.....

Lionel Brincat

Mar 12th 2008, 20:07

Update on my last comment... on TV they said that neigbours had previously reported illegal activities with regards to fireworks manufacturing ...

Where are the respective authorities who should have stopped this activity?

Zap Branagan

Mar 12th 2008, 20:02

I'll bet the saints are proud.

Of course, I'm sure it was all stockpiled for use in the event of a labour victory.

Lionel Brincat

Mar 12th 2008, 19:53

Quote:

"The eye witness said that she had rushed out after the first explosion and heard people SHOUTING WARNINGS OF ANOTHER EXPLOSION before another blast rocked the area and she then saw the vehicle being blown across the street. Other people said there were three powerful explosions.

Question:

I don't mean to be cruel... but that quote shows that neighbours somehow knew that there were fireworks in the garage.

Did they ever report their neighbour doing illegal stuff?

If not... are you ready to risk your life living in danger and not to report thy neighbour?

Edmund Azzopardi

Mar 12th 2008, 19:45

It is useless saying how good the Maltese are in the manifacture of fireworks. We simply do not know how to handle these blessed ''killers'', So, yes, ban them outright. It is silly to say that we should ban cars because somebody may explode his car in the garage. Cars are essential. When are we going to get our priorities right ?
Fireworks are not essential. Don't we have enough complaints about fireworks?
Haven't enough people been killed by fireworks?. And this is only March!
Innocent children become orphans, mothers become widows. All in the name of patron saints.
On the other hand. Is it possible nobody noticed anything? Besides killing people this stuff smells.

John O'Dea

Mar 12th 2008, 19:44

Thank goodness this did not happen on thursday when the open air market (monti) is functioning.

D.Seguna

Mar 12th 2008, 19:43

To whoever thinks it is "ok" to store and manufacture illegal fireworks in their homes, may I suggest you attend the funeral of the innocent victim of this tragedy, look into the grief stricken eyes of her husband and children, and say it is "ok", it won't ever happen to me. One day maybe it will - Imagine your wife, mother, father, children, brothers and sisters, looking into your coffin and see their grief - How would you feel? Please wake up - stop now before it's too late - This is madness!!!

Andrew Stafrace

Mar 12th 2008, 19:35

Although the law punishes heavily the possession of drugs, unfortunately many young men continue to die. Although many of us want stricter rules regarding possesson and use of fireworks, the result will be a mitigation of consequences but never end. Fatalities will never completely cease cause of stricter rules, what is really needed is a change in mentality.

Peter Knapton

Mar 12th 2008, 19:35

"Tons of fireworks being removed". Did the deceased move them to those garages all on his own for his own private consumption and enjoyment?

Abolition of fireworks no thanks. Best of European-standards regulation properly implemented yes please.

Ian Refalo

Mar 12th 2008, 19:26

I live 100 metres down from the scene of the accident. Fortunately I wasn't home when the blast went off, but obviously got back as soon as I heard to assess any damage. I got away lightly. The same cannot be said for others. The human tragedy is just beyond words, the feeling of panic, insecurity, fear and anger is palpable. It is nothing short of shocking that this has happened. I find it next to impossible to believe that no one else knew about this illegal storage of fireworks. I agree with John Busuttil Leaver's appeal for an amnesty on anyone else having fireworks in urban areas, for them to hand them over. Loss of life, damage to property, and the shock that it causes should be avoided at all costs. Alas, my hopes of this being the last incident in Malta are slim.

Josef Farrugia

Mar 12th 2008, 19:12

I assume that this is not the only garage in Malta where "illegal" fireworks are manufactured. However, the authorities should make regular spotchecks, on a random and anonymous basis, at houses and garages that belong to these fireworks experts so as to prevent any more of these fatalities. My depest sympathy to the families of the victims, who mourn their loved ones.

Erica Borg

Mar 12th 2008, 19:08

I can't but have to believe this scene, its almost unreal. What seems even more unbelievable is how one is permitted to keep fireworks in a residential area. I feel that the person responsible should be accountable for the situation he brought on.

daniela londner salomone

Mar 12th 2008, 19:08

The "u iva" attitude typical of most Mediterranean people today led - once again - to a tragic event. Storing fireworks in a garage set inside a densely populated neighbourhood shows how criminally irresponsible some people can be: irresponsbile is not the word...the police shoud set out on a wild goose chase and severely punish whoever uses his home as a storeroom of such deadly "weapons"...it is as bad as terrorists hiding explosives in their homes or shooting rockets from them! Bad enough at this end of the world..but what do you need these "threats" in peaceful and sunny Malta!? There has to be far more security and safety awareness in Malta over many issues.
Condolences to the victims' families and a complete recovery to the injured

Martin Borg

Mar 12th 2008, 18:52

It is such a sad moment for Malta. Everybody needs to understand that we need to be really responsabile for these dangerous entertainment. If we at least ban just the morning firworks, we will be reducing danger. Boom is all you hear and see nothing, but boom can also kill.

Wally Vella-Zarb

Mar 12th 2008, 18:37

I think that it is puerile to draw comparisons with cars when people call for a ban on petards. However, if one wishes to insist on that comparison, then please continue further. For example, if you play your car stereo at full blast, the police can stop you. If you play your HiFi at home so loudly that it annoys the neighbours, the police can stop you.
WHY THEN do the police continue to issue permits for the letting off of petards with total disregard for the rest of the population who are not at all amused by all the noise?
Fatalities caused by explosions of stored fireworks make headlines.
The nuisance caused by legalised exploding petards is totally disregarded.
And some people are actually proud of winning firework contests! What a feather in our collective cap!
Like they say, "Only in Malta!"

james grech

Mar 12th 2008, 18:32

Is it possible that the Police had no clue of such illegal activity...?I question the fact that neighbours never complained to the Police or local council. I always get reported for leaving my garbage out in the evening if you understand what I mean! So if I was the Commisioner of Police or Mayor, I would defentitely check this out cos if these autjorties knew what was going on they should be charged accordingly!

doris cini

Mar 12th 2008, 18:24

to me it is a tragedy that by the carelessness of others, peoples lives have to be taken. but you can not blame all the firework lovers for this accident. If any one should be suspicious that there are illegal fireworks being manufactured or stored in an area next to them, then i fully agree that they should report it immediately to the police because this could end in tragedy like this accident. One should also keep in mind that fireworks are part of our culture and attracts many tourists towards our island during the summer months. I think legal action should be taken towards those who are irresponsible for their actions causing other people to become in danger of loosing their lives. May God be with the families of the departed and those who have been hurt.

Ray Bartolo

Mar 12th 2008, 18:01

With all due respect:

NO for hunting due to animal rights

YES for fireworks due to culture and tradition

First of all hunting is culture and tradition. Secondly hunting kills birds while fireworks kill humans.

I am not a pro-hunting person however I object to the reasoning in favour of fireworks.

C.Attard

Mar 12th 2008, 17:56

It is very sad to hear about such a tragedy especially knowing that people have lost their lives due to this. Fireworks abuses have been in the past, are at present and shall continue to be in the future unless, an adequate solution is found to this problem. As long as there will be private owned fireworks factories spread around the island the problem shall continue to exist. One good solution to solve the problem to this would be, to centralise the fireworks production into a few factories that can be continuously montitored by the appropriate health and safety department. This also can control any illegal fireworks as every single piece of fireworks would be accounted for.

Stephanie Theuma

Mar 12th 2008, 17:55

Its high time that the goverment steps in and STOPS these fireworks once and for all. Poor children that have now been left without a mother. Many of them that work in these firework factories know that there is a big risk, but for Gods sake do not put other people's lives in the same risk.
I know very well what I am talking about as I live very close to one of the fields that is used for these fireworks and many times I had to phone up the police station due to the extreme bangs which very much frighten my son, also the paper and other metal items used fall into the garden sometimes still on fire. I must say that 3 years ago my dog was killed with a heart attack due to one of these very strong bangs.. LETS JUST HOPE THAT THIS TIME WE DON'T FORGET ABOUT THEM AND LET ANOTHER TRAGEDY HAPPEN.

John Betts

Mar 12th 2008, 17:52

Anyone recommending reasonable solutions should suggest that to the persons who lost loved ones and property. Face to face. If the hobby cannot be controlled, and it should be clear that it cannot, then I regret it should be abolished. How many more people are to die and to lose their homes?

L.Muscat

Mar 12th 2008, 17:46

Do we have any more politicians who like G. Sapiano are ready to tackle this issue, but risk losing popularity? I clearly remember what Claire Bonello had to say when G. Sapiano took his PM to court over fireworks factories. I'm sure this tragedy has wiped off the silly smile from her face

M Saliba

Mar 12th 2008, 17:43

I ask one question. How much more lives will this pass time claim before some serious and drastic measures are taken?

Mark Aloisio

Mar 12th 2008, 17:43

Use of fireworks in all festi should be stopped completely until the government can guarantee that no illegal production of fireworks is taking place on this scale.

Amadeo Mifsud

Mar 12th 2008, 17:38

I seem to recall a similar case in Fgura where a family living in a maisonette overlying a garage where fireworks had been stored lost their home when the garage blew up. The responsible person was taken to court and found guilty of blowing up this family's home but he claimed to have no resources to make good for the loss and that family remained homeless.
It seems that if one does not have the money to pay taxes, one is taken to prison. But if one does not have money to pay for criminal loss and damage, one walks away Scott free.
Loss of property with no compensation whatsoever is outrageous, but when it comes to loss of life the mind simply boggles.
How is it possible that these things can happen in a civilised society? Where does one procure the dangerous materials to produce fireworks? It is so easy to smuggle these materials into the country? Surely, most people who frequent village bars and clubs know very well who is keen on fireworks and who is not so keen. So, if any Tom, Dick or Harry is privy to such knowledge, can it be that the authorities are the only ones not in the know?

Carmel Bruno

Mar 12th 2008, 17:37

Isn't it scary? Tons of fireworks being removed. Tons of explosives nobody knows anything about. Good job we do not have terrorists in Malta!

John Schembri

Mar 12th 2008, 17:36

Why should we point our fingers to the people in high positions , "to do something about it" , aren't we accomplices in this stupidity , don't neighbours suspect what is going on in their neighbourhood? Isn't it dangerous for the poor soldiers to handle dangerous explosives manufactured by dilettantes what if another accident happens like that of the P31 patrol boat near Comino? Report every suspected illegality in anonymity , the police do take steps .Fireworks are very nice to watch but highly dangerous to life and limb. Would anyone of us like to have a fireworks factory in the vicinity of our property ?So the solution lies in us who finance such dangerous hobbies. Government should encourage quality and limit quantity , and stop the production of petards.

David S Ganado

Mar 12th 2008, 17:35

Is it at all possible that no one in the neighbourhood knew of the fireworks being stored there??
Shame on all who knew and did not report it!!.....or maybe as happened in the Fgura blast, i have been told that reports were made but ignored!!!

S Bonello

Mar 12th 2008, 17:35

This incident corraborates what Mr Psaila is claiming, i.e. that there is no control over explosive material once it is sold.

I think that every fireworks factory should keep a detailed record of all dangerous chemicals stored there which is regularly and randomly inspected.

Incidentily, are there upper limits of how much material may be stored in one place?
How much material can be bought by an individual/company at any one time?

David Buttigieg

Mar 12th 2008, 17:30

This is absolutely ridiculous, some irresponsible person murders his neighbor (yes, to me that's murder) because of his extremely behavior.

He killed the mother and wife of another family. Explosives were also found in neighboring garages - if still alive the owners should be thrown into jail.

Having said that I find it hard to believe that no neighbor knew there was that amount of explosives in the garage. I appeal to anyone who knows or even suspects that they have such criminal neighbors to report them at once, otherwise you could be next, God forbid.

Keith Grech

Mar 12th 2008, 17:30

Health and safety my foot.....we Maltese like to gamble our lives away...... we are careless on the road, at sea at work........the list is endless. Layers may suggest new laws but without proper enforcement and hefty fines all is useless.......God have mercy on all.

IVAN GRIXTI

Mar 12th 2008, 17:28

This particular incident should not centre around the fireworks debate. What happened here should have never occurred. Playing around with explosives in a residential area is totally unacceptable

This is not an question of someone who built his residence close to an existing fireworks factory. That's his/her problem. This is actually manufatcuring and storing explosives in a residence which is by existing legislation illegal.

I myself am a festa enthusiast and enjoy the free spectacle which band clubs and festa committees from around our villages put up year-in year-out with great sacrifice and dedication. Rather than constructing a fireworks factory in Comino, a better idea is organise a school of fireworks and re-train these people into the why? not only the how? of doing things.

For those who lost their lives in this tragic incident may they rest in peace and to their surviving relatives may they seek peace and consolation in the word of God.

Dana Eyre

Mar 12th 2008, 17:24

How many disasters of this kind have we seen splashed on the front covers of the newspapers, year after year? How many people have we lost ? How many families have gone through such pain and grief ... all for a colour & noisy spark that flashes across the sky ?
Fireworks are very beautiful to watch and I also appreciate the fact that there is a lot of work & skill involved in preparing them, but people cannot keep ignoring the fact that many disasters have occurred because of this , and are still happening.

There is no need to stop fireworks from being made, even though at times i think that maybe the money that is spent on them would be far better off spent on other things, like giving it to people who are in need.

I wish that people would start being more careful and concious of the danger they are putting themselves and others in . It's time to wise up !

My heart goes out to all those people who have suffered because of the irresponsability of others.

I hope that one day people will learn

Dennis Cini

Mar 12th 2008, 17:01

It's not unheard of that fireworks enthusiasts store their passion in neighbourhoods. They expose uninvolved persons in the risk they choose, possibly thinking that others share their adrenalin too. This bullying by these irresponsible persons is to be categorically condemned. People are encouraged to report to the Police such behaviour; they will have our support.

Etienne Schembri

Mar 12th 2008, 17:00

I agree with Ian Sammut.
All fireworks must me registered in some way and anyone caught buying or using un-registered fireworks will be jailed.
As for the people caught storing or making illegal fireworks, the law must come down on them like a ton of bricks.
May God be with the families that have been ruined because of the selfish arrogant minority of people who roam around this island.
You are in our prayers.

georg sapiano

Mar 12th 2008, 16:56

There is little doubt that our response to this kind of tragedy cannot be the (understandable) knee jerk to totally abolish fireworks. To do so would be akin to banning cars because somebody blew up his vehicle in the garage. This disaster, and its toll of lives and property, should instead strenghten our resolve to address the fireworks issue frontally: Find a solution that is acceptable to all those who are willing to meet and reason around the table. A solution which , first and foremost, puts innocent bystanders outside the danger zone.

Clive Brockdorff

Mar 12th 2008, 16:52

I cannot but express my concern at the attitude of many who cry out for the banning of something they disagree with. Sensible regulations must be enforced, but if the government starts banning things left, right and centre we don't know where it will lead.

A few more calls for personal responsibility and less for totalitarian strains of government are in order.

F. Psaila

Mar 12th 2008, 16:50

Only cooperation with police and police cooperation can solve this problem. It's not always easy to confront people from the same family especially if heavy fines are involved. It is probable that the neighbors in this case were not aware of what was going on. Only fools can act passively being aware of what is going on especially with the amount of material mentioned in the news. The legislation is there but it only works for the licensed factories to a certain extent ONLY. The best approach should be to monitor the material that gets out from Fort Mosta to licensed factories, if it is actually arriving to its intended recipients or gets lost somewhere along the way. All licensed factories should be made accountable for the amount of material they request from the fort and the amount that they actually have at their premises. If foul play is detected license should be withdrawn permanently and factory pulled down, with no exceptions.

And for those who think this is a hobby, it is not. It is either a business or else an obsession. There is nothing in between. You cannot do the amount of work let off in feasts with just hobbyists. Most of the people involved in fireworks spend an entire year with no exception working for an exhibition of an hour or sometimes even less.

Sharon Hurdle

Mar 12th 2008, 16:50

I was shopping in Naxxar this morning and was truly shocked to return home and hear this news. I was out ,whilst my 4 year old daughter was at Kindergarten . The thought that this can happen in this day and age astounds me. That poor women and her family. I feel it is now time for all Maltese people to come together and put aside political affiliations, work together to ensure that this never happens again. Stricter enforcement of regulations and working for the common good and safety of all is needed now more then ever.
I am Maltese citizen having been awarded Citizenship in 2007, I have just proudly voted in my first election. Now is the time for everyone to have pride and resolve in this wonderful Island and DO SOMETHING about this.

C.RIZZO

Mar 12th 2008, 16:48

the issue of firework explosives and factories lying door to door to homes has to be seen to urgently. my condolences to those who lost their loved ones

Sarah Hili

Mar 12th 2008, 16:44

Wasn't it obvious enough to the person/s storing the fireworks that danger was imminent? Did a tragedy have to happen before he/she realised their mistake? The irreparable loss and damage to all 3 families especially to the father and 2 children must be immense. How long will it take before people realise that carelessness and ignorance can cause tragedies like this? I mean it's not like we've never heard of such similar incidents happening before...but why do we never learn??? What is taking so long to rectify this heinous activity that repeatedly results in tragedy?

Charmaine Bugeja

Mar 12th 2008, 16:44

Please guys, you are all right in a way, but let's keep some decency and respect the fact that this man has just passed away. Useless calling him names now. What's done is done. Let's all learn from this and hope to become more socially responsible and take into consideration what the circumstances of one action can have on those around us. I happen to know the relatives of this man and I send them my sincere condolencies.

Andrew Xuereb

Mar 12th 2008, 16:43

My office is a few metres away from the tragedy site. Like Mr Leaver I question myself about the safety of our neighbourhoods and the horrendous acts of negligence and irresponsibility of a few. I was shocked when I heard the explosion and rushed to my terrorised mother and one year old nephew who were strolling back from the grocery store only a few yards away from the garage. Shame on those who put our life at risk!

Bogdan Cilia

Mar 12th 2008, 16:43

R.I.P to the two death's in this tragidy...It's hard to accept that immidiate actions have to be taken. We can't longer go on with innocent deaths and the damage to the family of this great loss of a mother aged 34. Get well soon to the injured, and my deepest condolence to the family's who have lost a relative.

Marton Saliba

Mar 12th 2008, 16:41

I myself have been stating for quite a long time for firework manufacturing to be banned, however I never really had the time to put a pesky insistence about it.

However this even keeps on proving that firework manufacturing and usage SHOULD be abolished. Fireworks are obviously dangerous they are manufactured and stored in the most poorly methods available.

A yearly even of catholic saints does not give me a good reson to manufacture and use fireworks in feasts.

And I'm not even going in socio-religious ethics point of view regarding it.

Of course banning firework mnufacturing will solve the problem...but complete abolishment will do the trick. The we'll just have to deal with a black market of fireworks.

tc
-Marton

V Farrugia

Mar 12th 2008, 16:35

Actually, locally we only need ONE properly regulated fireworks factory to service/supply the whole island during festa season. This should be run by certified professionals in explosives. All explosive material, whether they are raw materials, work-in-progress, or finished fireworks, are to be stored inside this same facility, preferabbly in an underground bunker, and only transported to the firing site, a few hours before the actual display. This should limit the incidence of accidents affecting residential areas.

That said, laws regulating fireworks already exist. The problem lies in enforcing them. Do the neighbours have a right to check nearby garages to check that no explosives are lying therein? In my humble opinion, after this tragedy, yes they do. The garage-owner's right to privacy in his property is superceeded by the neighbour's right to life.

C. Scerri

Mar 12th 2008, 16:34

To Ms Pecorella - the purchase of these chemicals is highly controlled and only licensed people can buy them

To Joe Aquilina - the "official" fireworks factories are all built according to set international standards and though by abiding to set operating standards one cannot eliminate all the accidents but the risk can be minimised and the damage controlled. Putting all the work in a small group of factories, knowing the amount of fireworks produced per year, would in fact make matters worse as any small accident would result in a major explosion with tens of people hurt or injured.

If one bothers to read the legislation (available on the internet - main legislation number 33 and the related legal notices) one would notice that all the necessary regulations are there. What I find ridiculous are the penal procedures - imprisonment for up to 6 months and fines up to around 460 euro. This is an area where one needs to improve - increase the imprisonment to say at least 10years and fines with a minimum of 500,000 Euro.

It is useless to say that if the culprit is caught he can be charged with at least second degree murder, as the damage would already have been done (and this if the culprit is not one of the victims - as in this case little can be done.

Joe Aveline

Mar 12th 2008, 16:34

This is a first test for the new Gov't. No dithering please. Remove and confiscate/destroy the fireworks found in adjacent garages. Arrest the owners of all the garages on charges of manslaughter or plotting the same. Attach their bank accounts. Smooth the way for the Insurance companies to proceed against the perpetrators to recover monies to satisfy the rightful claims of their insured which will include temporary housing where a dwelling has been destroyed.
This is not a time for talk but a time for action

Joseph Micallef

Mar 12th 2008, 16:32

I wonder if any complaints regarding the storage of fireworks in the garages were made to the authorities prior to the incident?

Trevor Zahra

Mar 12th 2008, 16:30

Once again a tragedy with a direct link to Fireworks, only this time a completely innocent mother of 2 pays the price. Unfortunately the manufacturer also perished in the blast that rocked the village of Naxxar late on Wednesday morning. I can understand the risk that fireworks enthusiasts take to light up the sky at night or shake us out of bed in the morning afternoon and night, as long as they take the risk with their own lives with the appropriate measures in a legal factory. However to use garages in a densly populated area in the heart of a village is plain and simply irresponsible and with complete disregard to the security, safety and peace of mind of the people living around. Three houses have collapsed an innocent mother of 2 perished and scores have been injured, and now two young children have to grow up without their mother thanks to the selfishness of a number of people. Other garages have been found to contain a considerable amount of illegal fireworks. Is it possible that people are so blind and ignorant to allow such a practice to take place beneath their noses and do nothing about it? The people who had knowledge of such a practice and did not bother to report it to the appropriate authorities, should in my opinion be charged in court and taught a lesson. Banning Fireworks is not a solution as George Abdilla rightly points out, however the people who were aware of these garages being used as a store should be held accountable and charged to the fullest extent...make a complete example out of them

John Busuttil Leaver

Mar 12th 2008, 16:29

I do not want to ban fireworks. I said the government could give a special "pardon" within a specified period of time, so that those who have stores of fireworks in urban (illegal) areas can remove them to legal places of storage. Perhaps the govenment can sponsor an exsisting factory to store these fireworks. These people must be given a legal "way out" or the explosives will remain in dangerous built up areas. Government should use the emotional overspill from this accident to gain some social good out of it.

Mario Fenech

Mar 12th 2008, 16:25

Regarding Mr Grech's comment about hunting....I don't know why people like you keep comparing stupidities such as this one with hunting... normal practice of hunting is not illegal but storing 3 full loaded garages of explosives in habitat is a real disgrace...

L.Attard

Mar 12th 2008, 16:25

Irrevocable damage to these families.

A proposal to the PM would be to build fireworks factory on comino... and hopefully fireworks will create inconvenience to just the people doing fireworks and not the rest of the population.

Philippe Saliba

Mar 12th 2008, 16:23

I wish to express that this hobby, if done with ease, should cause minimum problems and I contradict many that say that this hobby should be banned. What would happen to our culture and feasts if fireworks are banned from Malta? In my opinion there would be even more accidents because manufacturers would practise this hobby illegally.

Stephen Tabone

Mar 12th 2008, 16:21

Is it possible that nobody in the neighbourhood or members of the family did not know that fireworks were being stored illegally in the garage! The government has the responsibility of ensuring that these tragedies are absolutely avoided. Stricter legislation is required and long prison sentences imposed. The whole tragedy boils down to lack of education and social irresponsibilty by certain people who have no respect for other people's lives. Banning fireworks is not a solution but government has to act fast in order to avoid further tragedies.

Martin Borg

Mar 12th 2008, 16:20

AN APPEAL: To all those people - especially the ones living in villages where this hobby is so popular - many of you must have heard at some point or another of some person who works on fireworks in his garage, or in the washroom of his house..... or at some other odd place without due care to human life or to the emotional distress caused to loved ones at the loss of human life. Please, please, if you have any suspicion of such ongoing activities, GO TO THE POLICE. File an official report - next time it could be you, or your own loved ones. Do not tun a blind eye, or leave the task to your neighbour. Do not allow thi barbarism to carry on. Take the bull by its horns!

Lincoln Spiteri

Mar 12th 2008, 16:19

Government should create an amnesty for people who have illegal stores of fireworks to come forward and any remaining danger to the public removed with priority.

Ian Sammut

Mar 12th 2008, 16:17

I stand corrected and totally agree, total banning of these fireworks is not the answer.

However the laws are there, and it is illegal to store / manufacture these devices without proper licences / permits. Factories need to be only in certain places etc… but yet we still get a number of accidents – every year!!!

There is a weak link between the enforcing of the law and the law its self. We all know about neighbours and how they can make life hell, add to that the fact that if you report a neighbour for doing something illegal then there can and probably will be vandalism etc… but this can not go on!!! Having regulations and not enforcing them is just as bad as not having them!!!

Perhaps a couple of suggestions – just like with racing pigeons who have the ring round their leg every fire work needs to have a UNIQUE registration number that can be traced to the manufacturer, these need to be checked at each feast by competent authorities.

Every manufacturer needs to be licensed – ANNUALLY subject to at least on inspection of the manufacturing premises and not excluding other random checks.

EVERY gram of the chemicals being sold to the manufacturers needs to be logged at the time of sale and every purchaser needs to keep records for verification to amounts of fireworks produced VS chemicals purchased.

Etc… these are the contra checking types of rules – they are meant to be hard to bypass, loss of life is final!!

A Cassar

Mar 12th 2008, 16:14

Just imagine, receiving a call at work and someone on the other side tells you that your wife, children, house and all your possessions are under a heap of rubble because your neighbor was illegally manufacturing fireworks in his garage! Simply imagine the sense of loss you would find yourself in when you realize that all you had in this world is lost!

Rather than banning fireworks production, we should insist that the manufacture of fireworks is heavily regulated. Fireworks production should only be produced in isolated locations.

Working with dangerous chemicals and explosives cannot be considered just a hobby,,,, people need to be highly trained and educated about what they are doing.... Those who die whilst practicing their hobby, leave a family behind who have to go through hardships just because their father, or boyfriend had an ultra dangerous hobby!

People caught manufacturing fireworks without a permit or license will be sent to jail, the same and more goes for idiots who illegally store or manufacture fireworks in residential areas.

Its time we stopped paying with innocent lives for the crazy whims of a few dilettanti. Yes some argue that fireworks are an important part of our cultural identity and an important tourism attraction, but we cannot keep on paying for them with innocent lives.

Some months ago I remember Georg Sapiano had spoken out against fireworks production and asked if we should wait for more innocent lives to be lost before someone takes action. Unfortunately it seems time has proven him right, cause there you are is at least a mother of two dead, numerous individuals injured and left homeless with all their valued possessions lost. If the explosion happened yesterday when so many children remained at home due to the election celebrations the death toll would have been much higher.

It is high time that our politicians crack down on this abuse, not doing so will endanger more innocent lives. And we should back them and pull the same rope rather than simply arguing for the sake of arguing. There is no past time, hobby, “delizju” more important than life itself! Next time it could be your wife or your kids who are blown up!

Would you be ready to trade your wife’s life for the next festa musketerija or your kids’ life for a few murtali tal-fetha or all your worldly possessions for the kaxxa infernali?

M Savin

Mar 12th 2008, 16:14

Can we all just stop for a second and think about how it would feel to be one of the two children, returning home from school to find that their house has been destroyed and their mother is dead? I cannot begin to imagine the pain and suffering that awaits them.
It has only been a matter of months since people died at a similar incident less than a mile away at so called 'factory'.

MLP and PN supporters seem very able and willing to attend mass meetings for their respective parties, but nobody seems to be getting up out of their seats to do anything about people in our communities being killed and families being destroyed by fireworks.

How many more families have to be destroyed until something is done?

Like many people on here have stated, proper monitoring of explosive substances is not difficult.

I very much enjoy watching fireworks, we have some of the best displays in the world, but if these types of incidents keep occuring I will find it very difficult to bring myself to watch them.

Leonard Gauci

Mar 12th 2008, 16:13

Personally I don’t like fireworks but those calling for a ban are wrong. This will only push things underground. Given the large quantity of fireworks stored it’s difficult to imagine that no one except their owner(s) knew what was going on. What’s required is a professional approach, responsible neighbours who immediately report any illegal activity and politicians who act promptly rather than sit on reports for months if not years.

David Gauci

Mar 12th 2008, 16:06

This irresponsible act should make all fireworks enthusiasts aware of how dangerous this work is. More and more people are dying anually due to something with has a religious purpose.
I hope if this work continous to be carried on, more attention is drawn by the people working on fireworks

Joseph Aquilina

Mar 12th 2008, 16:03

The state should just prohibit local parishes to build their own fireworks and only allow such parishes to buy (a limited amount of) fireworks from authorized factories – and there is no need to be an authorized factory in every locality in Malta. Two or three of such factories should be enough! Also, what is the position of the Church on the whole fireworks issue - so much money and lives are being WAISTED for the pleasure of the masses rather than used to actually do some good with it.

Joanna Pecorella

Mar 12th 2008, 16:02

If any Joe Public can freely purchase the ‘ingredients’ to make these dangerous products, then it is obvious that there is no serious legislation or enforcement protocol controlling who or where they are produced and stored.

If we were talking about drugs, alcohol or cigarettes, you can bet the farm that someone would have a say on who has access to such a money-making scheme! Lo and behold anyone who encroaches on the bigwigs’ profit margins!

How many more tragedies do we have to witness before someone does something about it? More evidence that nothing changes except the date......

George Abdilla

Mar 12th 2008, 16:02

Its simply incredible. What a whole bunch of intolerants! If we had to ban everything we hate or dislike, no one would be able to live any longer!

Why don't you examine the facts and reason things out? I fully condemn this incident and would love to see the idiot who stored fireworks in his garage crucified. Yet why on earth should I ban fireworks? Fireworks are dangerous you are going to say! But aren’t cars dangerous too? How many people have dies as a result of being run over by a car? or due to a traffic accident? Can’t we say the same of airplanes, and ships, all of you heard of Titanic, yet no one banned transportation cause its cost lives too? The same can be said of guns, knives, tools , butane gas and a multitude of other things.

Firework workers know the risks they are taking and that does not deter them from enjoying their passion. The law clearly states where fireworks can be manufactured and stored. Abusers exist and thus is what needs to be tackled and addressed. Anyone suspecting someone who manufactures or stores fireworks illegally should report to the authorities so as to stop this abuse. Banning fireworks is not the solution.

F. J. Brincat

Mar 12th 2008, 16:00

“33 year old mother-of-two” I pity the person that had to break the news to the children, that because of some irresponsible person, their mother won’t be home to greet them when they come back from school.

I’m not saying that fireworks should be banned, but the people who handle them should be cautious and responsible enough to take into consideration not only their health, but also the health of others. You only need to be unlucky once…

C. Scerri

Mar 12th 2008, 15:57

There is a law - Explosive Ordinance - law 33. And one can be sent to prison if one keeps fireworks in an unlicensed place (let alone a garage in the midst of village!). The problem is that information has to arrive to the authorities for an arrest to happen - otherwise we shall only know when it is too late.

Banning is not a solution as you would just push this activity underground - apart from the fact that is is part of our cultural heritage. And as far as noise is concerned - even here the legislation is very clear and includes the duration in number of minutes of each firing session. What we really need is effective police action against law breakers.

D. Decelis

Mar 12th 2008, 15:53

Banning fireworks is not a solution. After all keeping fireworks in a private residence is banned, but has it prevented this tragedy?

John Busuttil Leaver

Mar 12th 2008, 15:52

I live 2 streets away from the blast. WHo else has this stuff in his garage????? Can the government make a special pardon for those who own up so we can clear urban areas of this danger?

Claire Bonello

Mar 12th 2008, 15:52

Why do some people persist in distorting the message of others? Pamela Hanson was not advocating a total ban on fireworks but that this issue be a priority. She has campaigned against needless noise and petards. As for a total ban on fireworks - it is not possible. In any case the storage of explosives in inhabited areas is already prohibited. It remains to see if this was the case

Joe Aquilina

Mar 12th 2008, 15:49

Apart from the person manufacturing the fireworks, i would also hold the suppliers of the raw materials responsible. I suppose that they are obliged to keep records of the persons purchasing the raw materials from them and if they are licenced!!

Dr. Ivan X. Gatt

Mar 12th 2008, 15:46

If in all probability the person responsible for this hideous act was not insured, then there is a good chance that the poor families who have lost their loved ones, homes and belongings will not be compensated. Should this be the case, we should show our true Christian side by each and every one of us forfeiting 2 Euros from our monthly pay - this will not effect us however it would give these people some form of hope.

ETHEL ABELA

Mar 12th 2008, 15:46

How many more people have to die before the authorities do something serious about this matter.
I do not know whether it is feasible but cannot all the firework factories be placed in one building which is strictly in line with all the regulations. If need be, we should involve competent people, even from overseas, to assist us in organising matters in a professional manner.

Therese Zerafa

Mar 12th 2008, 15:46

I feel that the law should enforce severe punishment for such people with irresponsible hobbies that only serve to delight oneself , at the cost of innocent lives.

Sandro Agius

Mar 12th 2008, 15:44

Its another sage...but the problem here is not the fireworks and to ban them but that people abuse of such work. This is not an accident in a factory but an abusive...which I think as happens many times no one reported and now we are here mourning innocent persons

Anthony Mallia

Mar 12th 2008, 15:44

I'm not going ti justify this incedent because everyone knows that it's elligal to manifacture or store fireworks in residential areas so i condem this incedent but with all the respect to all the comments here should we (or the prime minister as someone said in a comment here) consider to remove all the cars from our roads when an accident occures and a live is lost or when a live is lost on a construction site should we consider to stop bulding houses or appartments ecc. accidents happen from time to time and no one can stop them what I disagree with is when somthing elligal like todays incident happen.

J. Mifsud

Mar 12th 2008, 15:43

First of all the deepest of sympathy to the victims of this madness. Those responsible should be brought to justice.

This has to be handed down so that it serves as a deterrent to any others who are storing or thinking of storing fireworks in residential areas.

Shame on those who knew of such storing and did not report it

Erika Azzopardi

Mar 12th 2008, 15:42

Authorities should take an immediate stand regarding fireworks after this incident....and did neighbours report that there were explosives being kept illegally in their vicinity.?

Albert Xiberras

Mar 12th 2008, 15:40

Although I am deeply saddened when such accidents occur, yet I still feel that fireworks and their makers are not the entities to blame. I am pretty sure that in this particular incident the only person to blame is the man storing and producing the fireworks illegally in a residential area. If we were to ban fireworks because people die in its production and/or storage process than we might as well ban vehicles (anything from a bicycle to a space shuttle), smoking, guns. All of theses have the capacity to aid or entertain us, and all of them can kill us. I would much rather see a more sensible standard of enforcement such as: making sure that when the feast day comes, and the permissions granted for a display, that every single flare and mortar is accounted for and is in line with the law. I am not condoning this act that has left 2 people dead; however I am calling for proper enforcement, which tends to be the plague of this great nation.

A.Seguna

Mar 12th 2008, 15:37

I think that the P.M. should totally ban this dangerous hobby. I hope he has the courage to do this for the well being of our people.

N Abela

Mar 12th 2008, 15:35

When are the Maltese people going to learn that this is not a hobby unless you know what Chemistry really is and have a vat idea of chemicals. Its suicide. Dear PM please do something about this issue.

T Joseph

Mar 12th 2008, 15:33

How right you are, V Farrugia! People have died and the homes and possessions of 3 families destroyed, thanks to the selfishness and carelessness of other people. We should be generous enough to ask our government to compensate these innocent victims quickly, and leave it to the authorities to make the culprits pay. Fighting for compensation takes many years, prolonging the nightmare for these poor families. We must all help them to pick up their lives quickly.
That other poor family from Fgura should have been treated better following the destruction of their home – we cannot call ourselves a caring society, if we allow innocent people to suffer like this, while the guilty parties get away with it.

James De Giorgio

Mar 12th 2008, 15:32

It's not just irresponsible, it's illegal to keep or store fireworks in residential areas, for obvious reasons which have now become tragic reality.

Penalties for anyone caught still doing this should be absolutely harsh and people should be encouraged to report.

Marc Psaila Soler

Mar 12th 2008, 15:32

Although I am totally indifferent to our feasts and fireworks in general, I do not agree with those who call for a complete ban on fireworks.

In my opinion, fireworks should only be manufactured in appropriate factories situated well outside residential areas. The authorities should ensure that any fireworks used in feasts or any other activities have been purchased from these factories - that should not be a difficult task to enforce. Anyone caught using other fireworks should be punished in an exemplary way.

Unfortunately some selfish persons choose to embark in illegal activities (there is no way that these fireworks would have been allowed to be stored in a garage legally). These persons, who might have even lost their lives in this incident, are guilty of manslaughter and, if they are found, should be tried as such.

Colin Micallef

Mar 12th 2008, 15:32

You're missing the point...a mother of two!!!!! Innocent!!!! This person has just deprived two children of their mother!!!

Niki Papagiorcopulo

Mar 12th 2008, 15:32

Dear Ms. Hanson- being balanced in what one says is always wise. I cannot say that Ms Hanson knows what balance is since she has been pushing the idea of banning fireworks for years.... to no avail.

One cannot be catagorical and say to all who have this pastime, that has won us awards in Europe, that this practice is to be banned. There are laws to be respected and I agree on stricter legislation to control abuse. After all whoever is responsable was clearly doing this illegally.... as if our law permits producing fireworks in a residential zone! I am sure that those responsable will be charged with manslaughter and be brought to justice. Those who knew about this and kept quite should also be held responsable.

The way forward is stricter legislation, tighter control and sanctions on anyone who breaks the law (with exemplary sentences). However those who respect the law should be allowed to continue enjoying their hobby.... as others with even more dangerous hobbies do.

Carmelo Portelli

Mar 12th 2008, 15:31

If people want to risk their own life that’s fine but when they play with other people’s its manslaughter! That poor woman and her two children, it’s a shame. The authorities should put these people away for a long time if they catch them. You can’t walk about with a firearm even if it’s not loaded but we can store fireworks and explosives in our garaget!

Randolph Peresso

Mar 12th 2008, 15:31

I fully agree that this is an act of great irresponsibility. The person responsible might be one of the victims. But don't you think that the one responsible cannot be brought to justice,
What should be done is that people stop pretending not to know about these irregularities, and start reporting these people, who think that such a disaster can never happen to them.

Daniel Delia

Mar 12th 2008, 15:28

I agree with those who suggest banning fireworks. Besides being a danger and a terrible nuisance to people and animals alike, I cannot picture our village festa saints being thrilled by the fireworks and petards thrown at them. Oddly enough our authorities are encouraging this type of activities particularly by organising fireworks festivals and competitions. Little do take series care of the noise and dangers exposed to third parties and even less to the avoidable pollution caused by the burnt sulphur emitted when letting off these fireworks.

Jesette Degabrielle

Mar 12th 2008, 15:27

I think it is about time that the new government should ban the importation of such explosive chemicals which is used in petard making once and for good and who will be caught of importing such materials will have to pay drastically. Also such importers shall make available the list of their buyers to the investigators / government and they shall account for every kilo sold to them.

michael seychell

Mar 12th 2008, 15:19

Abolishing Fireworks is not the solution. We should 'abolish' irresponsible persons whoever they are' who store fireworks - and any other substance that may explode - in residential areas. Without entering in the merits of this particular case, there is no doubt that hoarding/ or storing of explosive materials in such areas are not covered by any insurance. Apart from loss of life which no amount of financial compensation can bring back, there could always be - as in this case - heavy financial damages to adjacent property. The only way to avoid similar cases are very high - astronomical - fines and imprisonment of those found guilty of such acts, coupled with very strict enforcement.

Michael Seychell

Philip Bonello

Mar 12th 2008, 15:18

Banning fireworks will not solve any problems. I am sorry for every person who gets hurt or dies but then cars kill people too! Should they be banned? I think this is the right time to regulate this business and make it impossible to produce fireworks unless under strict professional conditions. People producing fireworks have to be licensed and they should only be allowed to buy the necessary chemicals under strict control. The work needs to be done in licensed premises only. Regulating will save lives.

Daniel diacono

Mar 12th 2008, 15:18

Police and people crying evrywere! Shoking!

T Joseph

Mar 12th 2008, 15:16

How right you are, V Farrugia. The livelihoods of 3 families have been

H. Farrugia

Mar 12th 2008, 15:14

Shame on Pamela Hanson for being a vulture after such a tragedy. By your arguments stop driving your cars. Stop this road madness which is leaving many people dead. My prayers go to that young victim who left her husband and two children. May God be with them. They really need our prayers.

Daniel Diacono

Mar 12th 2008, 15:09

Why don't they ban fireworks?The explosion was heard all Naxxar.The amount of people holding their mouths and screaming on their cell phones was beyond belief!

Mark Grech

Mar 12th 2008, 15:09

Malta is plagued with three hobbies that only serve to please a few people while endangering and irritating thousands. Fireworks, hunting and horse riding in our roads. Something must be done as soon as possible.

Alfred Rizzo

Mar 12th 2008, 15:08

My heart aches for the husband and two children who not only lost a wife and mother but also their residence and probably all their belongings. Who will compensate them for these terrible losses?

Andrew L Vella

Mar 12th 2008, 15:08

It is truly a sheer act of gross irresponsibility by whoever was involved in storing and manufacturing these fireworks in such a central residential area!

I happened to be at home today and I was completely shocked by the explosion, even though I live about 400m away, let alone those who live closer, not to mention the people who died! I had never heard such a loud noise and I couldn't help thinking, "What if this happened to me or to my relatives?"

I honestly hope and pray for tougher law enforcement in this regard. It is unfathomable that an innocent young mother of two should pay with her life.

Although we can't bring back victims from the dead, someone must be accountable. Storing and/or manufacturing fireworks in residential areas is an extremely serious matter. Moreover, it has become a disaster for those who have lost loved ones in this unbelievably irresponsible act!

jesmond hili

Mar 12th 2008, 15:08

i hope that the prime minster will bring a law that all fire works will be illegal to make in Malta .
the lives that are being lost is not worth it lives are more precious then fire works

Richard Sammut

Mar 12th 2008, 15:06

I understand that this is hobby. However too many lives are being lost for the sake of fireworks! I think that this should be regulated by having only a couple of licensed manufacturers with proper equipped factories an d high safety standards.

Anyone else manufacturing fireworks illegally would face high penalties - both monetary and possibly imprisonment (as that means endangering the lives of innocent people).

Karen Cacciattolo

Mar 12th 2008, 15:02

I hope that this disaster will be taken into consideration and fireworks are banned once and for all!

hadrian agius

Mar 12th 2008, 14:59

It is about time FIREWORKS and HUNTING be abolished once and for all. And anyone found keeping explosives and firearms in residential areas to be jailed for life.

Danielle Borg

Mar 12th 2008, 14:59

And 2 innocent children were left without a mother...

Pierre Pace

Mar 12th 2008, 14:58

In such cases it is always the same problem - ENFORCEMENT. Did the residents know of such storage? If they did why did they not report to the Police? Or were they perhaps afraid of bullying? Houses, garages and the lot can be rebuilt, but nobody can bring back a life lost in such an unjust and irresponsible manner. Should not such murder be treated as first degree murder in our laws? The future beckons!

Ramon Casha

Mar 12th 2008, 14:57

How can we ever sleep soundly if we have to worry that maybe one of the underlying or adjoining garages is a ticking time bomb?

This hobby needs to be brought under control. How about legislation to ensure that every single firework let off for any occasion is individually checked and verified by some national authority, ensuring that they are traceable to source and that no illegally manufactured fireworks can be used anywhere on the islands.

Christopher Briffa

Mar 12th 2008, 14:57

This madness should be banned, once and for all not regulated. We all know some people don`t care about any regulations, which as far as I know already exist anyway.

Fireworks should be banned from all feasts and for those that argue that a feast is not the same without fireworks, then we should ban feasts altogether, so what after all it is all paganism anyway.

C Farrugia

Mar 12th 2008, 14:54

How many others are there without any one knowing? Can we live with the thought that a neighbour might be keeping explosive in his/her garage?

M Vella

Mar 12th 2008, 14:53

My heart goes out to the two children that have suffered such a terrible loss. A house is replaceable one way or another but a mother is not.

Sammy Attard

Mar 12th 2008, 14:52

I cannot believe accidents like these still happen in Malta.

Adrian Mercieca

Mar 12th 2008, 14:51

How irresponsible c to store fireworks (and possibly even work on them) in a garage in a residential area????!!!
Now we have a family devastated, with the young mother dead, a widowed father with two presumably young kids; who can explain to them as to why their mother was taken away from them?

Ian Sammut

Mar 12th 2008, 14:50

Just a simple question - why was this person keeping these things in the middle of a residential area?!?!

! Every year we have people who die, people who are annoyed and others who are disgusted by this practice. Then there are the few who love them - I am not sure... as a smoker I love my cigarettes but I don’t smoke inside because these are harmful to others but these petards are allowed because others like them!!!

People when are we going to learn these things kill?!?! Not to mention the money that is literally burnt, the noise pollution they cause, the damage to the environment (think of the birds and wildlife while these things go off).

While fireworks are entertaining to watch there needs to be much much stricter controls and those breaking the rules stopped once and for all!!

I am sorry to those who love them but this is just not acceptable any more!! Families are being hurt!!! PEOPLE are being hurt!!! That takes priority – always!!!

christian mifsud

Mar 12th 2008, 14:50

Its a disgrace that these things happen and an even bigger one if the authorities don't do something about it now.

Vanessa Pace

Mar 12th 2008, 14:49

Yes I agree with all ... this fireworkd frenzy should be totally banned... a Maybe this money could be injected to fund a more useful project like a professional animal hospital, something that Malta totally lacks ... and without petards maybe we could look forward to a more peaceful and safe summer.

Chris Darmanin

Mar 12th 2008, 14:45

This hobby shouldn't be banned but people practicing must be aware of the dangers and responsible for their actions and practice it somewhere where it will not affect innocent people. much like firework factories which are secluded and sufficient warning signs are given when going in the vicinity of the places

Peter Cremona

Mar 12th 2008, 14:40

Hope the authorities concerned will now take the necessary steps to stop such unnecessary accidents occuring again.

Doris Muscat

Mar 12th 2008, 14:39

What a tragic waste of life. Material damages can somehow be repaired but lives? Who is going to bring those back? Let us pray for all involved, for lives lost and those who have to start again because of the irresponsibility of another.

Reuben Scicluna

Mar 12th 2008, 14:38

one's heart has to go out to the victims of this tragedy ... but did anyone in the neighbourhood report this activity to the authorities? How many more lives does this barbaric "poor-excuse-for-a-hobby" have to claim before someone banishes it to its rightful place ... PREHISTORY!!

L Borg

Mar 12th 2008, 14:37

Some persons are directly responsible for what seems as all this criminal carelessness. Some are indirectly responsible as I am sure some people must have known what is going on in those garages. Some others are responsible cause we speak only when it hits home. Let us start tackling these issues that hit the localities and neighbours directly. Hope the message is clear.

C. Scerri

Mar 12th 2008, 14:36

The law as it stands prohibits and punishes severely those caught with fireworks in illegal fireworks factory.

The problem is that it is very difficult to identify these people and when you do, these people are usually victims - so basically nobody can ever be brought to court. On the other hand, it seems very strange if people around did not know what is happening and report the case.

Pamela Hansen

Mar 12th 2008, 13:58

Will we ever learn? Lets hope the PM makes it one of his priorities to tackle this madness once and for all.

V Farrugia

Mar 12th 2008, 13:54

I remember a similar incident in Fgura a few years back. The homeowners have still not received compensation for the loss of their house and home.

This case is far more serious as there are lives lost as well. Will the person responsible for all this be brought to justice? Will s/he pay for the lives lost, and loss of property? Let us not forget, that those 3 houses constitute the lifetime savings for 3 families. Or will s/he just have to pay a risible fine?

Steve Busuttil

Mar 12th 2008, 13:53

Its about time this 'hobby' is banned. This is not the first time something similar to this has happened in a residential area. Someone must understand that these fireworks have a detrimental effect on many lives, be they the people who die, their families or the rescuers' lives that are being put in danger. Finally, as a nation we must understand that letting off petards at all times of day is a barbaric practise that needs to be abolished once and for all! Someone please take action before the 'Festa' season starts to disrupt our lives once again!

Maria Pia Cumbo

Mar 12th 2008, 12:42

Will we continue to live in a society that has no regard for other people's well being? In my opinion, a drastic stand should be taken after this incident. A general punishment, to deter anyone else from producing fireworks illegally. This will teach people to be more responsible of their actions!!

Philip Cortis

Mar 12th 2008, 12:34

Did the garage had a permit to store / be used for such activity?

If yes, the people who granted the permit should be held to account.

If the garage was without permit, it should not only be those carrying out such an activity who should be held to account but any people who might have known about it and not reported it.

Joseph Aquilina

Mar 12th 2008, 12:31

At this point both the Church and Government Authorities should give a clear message that such events should never happen here in Malta again! It is a shame that we Maltese spend so much money in smoke, but even a bigger shame that this other ‘hobby’ is killing people from our villages. The government should only allow legalized factories to develop and store fireworks and introducing harsher fines and compensation laws. The Church should also do its part – revoking feasts where these feast have became only a pagan symbol!!

S. Suda

Mar 12th 2008, 12:02

Isn't it a huge act of irresponsibility to keep explosives in a garage in a residential area...?

Liam Kelly

Mar 12th 2008, 11:46

How many lives have to be taken before Malta loses its love affair with fireworks?