An explosion heard in the Birkirkara area yesterday afternoon was enough for many to hold their breath hoping nothing serious had happened.

It turned out that it was just a bang, the result of a petard being set off in the vicinity of a fireworks factory in Iklin while the place was being cleaned up.

Initial reports were of the possibility of another fireworks explosion and a fire was also noticed in the area. However sources said this was only a controlled fire.

The loud bang was heard from several areas around Iklin, making people jump especially in the aftermath of the fatal Naxxar explosion last month.

The Civil Protection Department was alerted and fire tenders were sent to the spot as was an ambulance, but none of these rescue services was needed.

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