Kurt Bugeja Coster
Driver badly injured after refuse truck overturns
The Coast Road close to St Andrews was closed to traffic yesterday after a refuse truck overturned injuring the driver, Kevin Farrugia of Żurrieq. Photo: Jason Borg.
A 28-year-old man is in hospital suffering from serious injuries after losing control of a refuse truck, hitting a wall and overturning onto its side along the Coast Road in St Andrew's yesterday morning, the police said.
The accident occurred just up the road from the Forum Hotel as the truck was on its way to the Magħtab landfill after collecting waste from St Julians.
The man, Kevin Farrugia of Żurrieq, was trapped beneath the truck under the front right mudguard, the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) said.
He was released with the help of Civil Protection Department personnel.
Victor Spiteri, president of the Public Transport Association, said bus driver George Cutajar was passing by and immediately extinguished a small fire and went to the assistance of the trapped driver.
A number of soldiers on their way to the Pembroke ranges for explosives training gave further assistance and controlled the traffic.
An AFM nurse administered first aid before the driver was taken to Mater Dei Hospital where he was found to be in critical condition. His condition later improved.
Combat engineers were called to spread sand over a substantial amount of diesel that leaked from the truck's fuel tank.
A 24-year-old sitting in the rear of the truck suffered slight injuries and his brother, 23, sitting beside him, escaped unscathed.
The Coast Road has been the scene of many a bad traffic accident. In the most recent, an 80-year-old died on April 5 after a head-on collision between his Kia Pride and a Ford Ka.
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Philip Paris
Sep 3rd 2008, 21:55
@J. Fenech
Give me a break, "the workload these people have, a more efficient, trouble-free, cleaner machinery will help them get the job done in a more professional way".
He was speeding and he lost control!
J. Fenech
Sep 3rd 2008, 13:21
Can Waster Serv, a government agency, lobbies with the private contractors and co-operatives to upgrade their machinery? Maybe one can set standards of operation, before one can tender for LC services.
I am positive, that with all the workload these people have, a more efficient, trouble-free, cleaner machinery will help them get the job done in a more professional way. It will be a strong commitment from all the stakeholders to get this "environment" in shape before it gets too late.
A. Olivari o.b.o. WasteServ Malta Ltd.
Sep 3rd 2008, 12:11
In reply to the comment by Mr. Debono:
This waste collection service is not provided by WasteServ Malta Ltd. but is given to private companies or cooperatives through contracts directly with Local Councils.
Also, to clear any misconceptions which may arise, WasteServ Malta Ltd. manages the Ghallis Engineered Landfill, where this truck was headed, which together with other facilities ensures that Malta has a comprehensive waste management continuum of services. The old Maghtab dump, on the other hand, has been closed since April 2004 and is now in the process of being rehabilitated.
M. Debono
Sep 3rd 2008, 10:02
Whilst i wish a speedy recovery to Mr. Farrugia, i question the safety and road worthiness of these trucks? The impact must have been impressively big to have the wheels seperated from the rest of the truck.
Investment in brand new trucks will surely help keep Malta air cleaner. Wasteserv, pls. note!!