No one injured in St Julians fireworks barge explosion

m vcalleja

Sep 8th 2009, 13:23

@ c cassar
before commenting about trying to impress girls in our speedos, pls determine whether i am MALE or FEMALE!!!! just goes to show how chauvinistic you are - i get the impression you must be female.. secondly, speedoes are not fashionable anymore - ARENA and TURBO are the im-thing !!!

instead of praising the altruism of one person who had the guts to jump in not withstanding any danger to himself, if as you are saying you were 'there' and saw what happened, you would have noticed that he got to the barge before the AFM did. when they did finally turn up, he was already swimming back. with regards the setting by remote control, sorry, we do not live in the flintstone era as you seem to think. people present are close friends of San Girgor comm members & yes we know they are set of by remote control BUT one question : HOW DO THE FIREWORKS GET ON THE BARGE & WHO SETS THEM UP.

def not a harry potter spell - human error exists & if the control button was accidentally hit, i leave the rest to everyone's imagination.,

Anne Marie Bonello

Sep 8th 2009, 09:27

@ C Cassar

You failed to read that the barge was accessible to anyone....there may have been kids or teenagers on it...its only a matter of luck that there was no1...

its good to know that at least there are some people who would bother trying to help...although the first rule of first aid is safety for yourself and others...but one might act impulsively in certain situations...although after such an explosion if there was any1 on the barge they would have probably not been in a saveable state

Joey Psalia

Sep 7th 2009, 22:08

Tourists don't come to Malta for the fireworks. They might know about feasts, but the "fireworks", as you call them, wouldn't be a selling point as all they do is make noise, whereas most people will fine visual fireworks in their home countries. The fireworks in Malta are poor relations of the ones that I've seen in other countries, which usually feature multiple releases which even manage to build images in the sky.
I've only seen that once in Malta, and that was the display in the harbour for the introduction of the Euro. That's fireworks. Not petards.

Rachel Spiteri

Sep 7th 2009, 20:16

im glad that no one was hurt. that's the most important thing...

C Cassar

Sep 7th 2009, 19:43

@m calleja: No, thank God no one else did jump into the sea and swim towards a barge that had just blown up. Even the authorities weren't as stupid as that. Of course most of us new that there was no one on board the barge because we're interested in the culture of the festas and the organisation of the marvelous firework displays. It takes simple reading to discover that for the last years these kind of large displays use remote control technology. I suggest you and your colleagues educate yourselves instead of lying by the pool wearing speedos all day trying to impress young girls.

Dr Victor Testa

Sep 7th 2009, 19:10

Just as note. I was there on my own boat. The huge expolsion was immense, but I must admit that the concrete walls, and the tires, plus the filled up 45 gallon oil drums, kept my boat safe. Thanks to who cared for the safety i must say that accidents happen and do take place, but in this case, precaution was 1st priority. That's the answer that we got yesterday. No breakages and no injury!! Thanks Dr Testa

victor pulis

Sep 7th 2009, 18:31

I agree with you that if the law regarding barges used as launching pads for fireworks is defective it should be amended. You also wrote "but afterwards everyone is very smart." We don't seem to learn from past mistakes in this case at least. Some years ago the same thing happened when a barge exploded just beneath fort St. Angelo during the Senglea feast. Nobody was hurt but imagine if the explosion had happened inside the fort.

victor pulis

Sep 7th 2009, 18:24

@S Vella Good for you and well done. You get my point. I hope C. Cassar does as well.

s vella

Sep 7th 2009, 17:57

@ E Azzopardi cont. I said: It is better to find a good compromise with the backing of the law, and those who break it are severly punished, and thats up to the Judiciary to implement the laws, rather than being a dictator and abolish things, because those who are fanatics will continue to practise their hobby illegally, AND THAT IS MUCH WORSE BECAUSE YOU HAVE NO CONTROL AT ALL. LAWS AND DISCIPLINE IS NOT DICTATORHIP IN A DEMOCRATIC COUNTRY. Thank you for your happy feast wishes and I hope we do not hear of any more accidents that dominated our news this Summer.

s vella

Sep 7th 2009, 17:51

@ E Azzopardi Even I dont usually go on with discussions, but I see nothing wrong in exchanging ideas rather than imposing what one thinks is good or bad, at least in a democratic country.We have to learn to live in a society with different people and different ideas and accept others who may be different. If the Barge was placed according to law then it was OK. Now if after this accident the authorities realise than it was too close and endangered peoples lives, then I completely agree that the authorities should immediately revise the regulations immediately, but afterwards everyone is very smart. Let us not forget that recently we had 2 other feasts letting off their fireworks from the same barges, and nothing happened and no discussion took place. I do not call this a sport but what does it matter if it is a sport or tradition, the most important is that we protect the people involved and the civilians by finding solutions not dictatorship. I am sorry to say that you did not understand my last blog because I did not say if you are unable to control them let them do what they want.

s vella

Sep 7th 2009, 17:41

@ Colin Casar Exactly!! Respect with appropriate timing and safe location....that is exactly why fireworks are let off at 8am and not after 11pm. Sometimes its much more incovenient when you have construction work going on in the vicinities because they start at 7am or maybe even before and go on all day even in the afternoon and until late in the evening, I dont see much respect there much more than fireworks. I think I made my points clear and stop my topics here so that I go and enjoy my Naxxar feast, and wish a good feast to everyone, without any accidents.

s vella

Sep 7th 2009, 17:35

@ Victor Pulis c cassar may think whatever he/she want. I work in the vicinities and when it went off it rocked the place and I had no idea what it was, but because I have a heart to help others in need, I did not think about the danger I was in but went in with one of the police officers who was duty at the Naxxar police station and helped a lady out of the debris from one of the houses across the road from the blast. I did not want any credit so much so that I did not go on the tv programm held afterwards about the explosion. I had no idea it was a fireworks blast. I thought it was some gas cyclinder since it was in an urban area.

Emanuel Ghirxi

Sep 7th 2009, 16:22

I can imagine St.Gregory, yesterday evening, saying to himself, "Ah!!! Now I can SIT DOWN; relax, and enjoy being paraded without those uneccessary frightful bangs."

Claire Busuttil

Sep 7th 2009, 15:21

Saftey first!?!??!?!? haha...this is just great!!....komplu sejrin hekk, ta incident l hemm u iehor l hawn.....u sa dan it tant idejqu lil min xeba bl istorbju bla sugu li taghmlu, sas sijat bikrin ta filghodu!!!

victor pulis

Sep 7th 2009, 14:49

@ S.Vella
"With regards to the accident we experienced in my village a few years ago I was one of the first people on the scene to help injured victims and I completely condemn irresponsable acts of irresposable selfish people who care about themselves and do not care about others."
C.Cassar probably thinks you're a show off!

m calleja

Sep 7th 2009, 14:39

@ c cassar

where were you exactly ???? on the pool deck next to us or on the promenade.???

F Y I MEMBERS OF THE CLUB called the AFM not for assistance but for the simple reason that it had turned dark and we were worried that the patrol boat itself would hit in the dark. We lost sight of him swimming back when it turned dark - he is an extremely able swimmer and would definitely and capably swum back on his own.....

did anyone have the guts to do what this guy did - NO, NO ONE.

Colin Cassar

Sep 7th 2009, 14:34

@S Vella
Respect, together with the appropriate timing and safe locations are my suggestion.

E. Azzopardi

Sep 7th 2009, 14:19

S. Vella.
It is not usual for me to continue with discussions on the internet but there is always a first time.
It does not mean that if the barge was placed according to the law, then it is OK. The law may be wrong or not good enough and in this case I and many many others believe so.
If even a bit of fireworks endanger any one life, let alone many, then I am for TOTAL abolition.
Is this sports, is it tradtion? Will somebody decide please?
Your last blog is "defeatist". So if you are unable or incapable of controlling them let them keep doing what they are doing. It is like having children and because you cannot control them then let them do what they want, "because it will be worse"
Haven't you heard about " law and discipline"? What are the people in governement there for?
I shall rest my case because there is this saying which goes like this" You can take the horse to the water but you cannot make it drink".
I wish you all the best and a happy feast

S Vella

Sep 7th 2009, 14:11

@Marco Axisa
Tourists come for a whole package not just firewrks,but our traditional feasts including the firworks include fireworks. If you go to Bugibba or Sliema you see Boards near travell agents advertising tours to village festas including a spectacular fireworks display.
With regards to international ability of our dedicated persons who work in firework factories may I just mention Mqabba Fireworks factory and Lija fireworks factory who won internatinal awards.
Thankyou for mentioning that firworks are used all around the world but you forgot to say that even accident and fireworks factories blow up everywere in the world, but they still continue to practise the art of fireworks not abolish them because of the danger.
In Malta we try to be exceptinal!!!

S Vella

Sep 7th 2009, 13:53

@ Colin Cassar

Boom boom boom is what we have to make up with.

This early morning in Naxxar, we are already being bombarded!

In order for you not to hear the BOOM BOOM BOOM only two things could be done..
1 Stop the fireworks....(thats what you want)
2 Take a vacation!!!!....(thats what I suggest)

S Vella

Sep 7th 2009, 13:49

@ E Azzopardi Cont.
Tell them to stop their passion because of the danger! and see who they agree with, if its me because I enjoy their work and sacrifice , or you because you call me fanatic!!
It is much better to know were these people are practising their hobby and in controlled places, then restrict them and they end up working in illegal places, because that doesnt mean you will manage to stop them, YOU WILL ONLY BE MAKING THINGS WORSE.

S Vella

Sep 7th 2009, 13:46

@E Azzopardi
If the present laws we have are no harsh enough, then let revise them, I agree for the safety of everyone But to hear some selfish person complaining because he wakes up with the Banging of fireworks is not for safety reasons OK.
Let us not twist words and arguments.
What is half baked its up to the authorities to continue the baking process.
The arge was within the distance permitted by Law, not by what you or I say, too close is just a blunt statemenet, accurate distance please.
You do not have to thank me for appreciating the hard work and danger they go through so that many others enjoy special social activities.
I already told you, they only do it because they want to, ITS THEIR PASSION OK. No matter what danger they are in so that people like US,including yourself (because you are not against the complete abolishion of fireworks, so even if its a little bit they are still in danger) enjoy their show. There are a lot of sports events that endanger peoples lives that others enjoy watching even if they dont practice it.

Colin Cassar

Sep 7th 2009, 13:33

@S Vella
Was there something I missed in my posting, referring to the banning of fireworks?

E. Azzopardi

Sep 7th 2009, 13:21

S. Vella
The government made amendments and people still die and get hurt with these fireworks and barges still explode when they shouldn't etc etc Therefore, the amendments are not enough and for many are half baked. To start with, for many, that barge is too near the people and houses, hotels etc. But nobody seems to notice this. NOBODY
You still did not listen to what I said. Nobody is saying that fireworks should be stopped.
In the last paragraph YOU confirmed what I said about fanatics. I thank you for it.

Karl Consiglio

Sep 7th 2009, 13:06

I saw the whole thing, it was brilliant, the greatest fireworks display ever.

S Vella

Sep 7th 2009, 13:04

@ E Azzoprdi
1 What are you saying then? because as far as I know the government made ammendments to the present regulations and they way some people talk its like anyone can go and play around with fireworks. Even the bangers the children use to buy from the toy stalls have been rightly so abolished but this was an accident and if the precautions were not taken we would have victims, but thatnk God the responsable people were correct with the regulations. I was answearing a comment about wakng up with bangs in Naxxar this morning. what do you expect? that because there was an accident the Naxxar fireworks program will be stopped?
2.With regards to the accident we experienced in my village a few years ago I was one of the firs people on the scene to help injured victims and I completely condemn irresponsable acts of irresposable selfish people who care about themselves and do not care about others.
3.Yes I do enjoy the dangerous fireworks from a safe distance, SO WHAT? I dont ask any of those who go and work them to do so,just to please me, They do it because its their hobby.SO WHAT?

lgalea

Sep 7th 2009, 13:03

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/8240975.stm
Firework display closes festival
More than 200,000 people have gathered in Edinburgh to see the city's annual arts festival come to an end with a spectacular fireworks display.More than 100,000 fireworks exploded over the city in a 45-minute display, to the sound of live orchestral music.......

E. Azzopardi

Sep 7th 2009, 12:49

S. Vella
I would like to correct myself. My last message should have been addressed to you and not Colin Cassar. And it stands.

Apologies to C. Cassar

Jennifer Cosaitis

Sep 7th 2009, 12:34

@ Mr C Cassar - Not knowing that there was nobody on the barge; he did what every person should do in case of emergency and be of assistance. And talking about punishment? He tried to help others - his behaviour should be praised not be subject to unnecessary comments such as yours.
I just hope to God that no one is ever in need of your help or assistance - that would be a rather long wait wouldn't it?

Adrian Cardona

Sep 7th 2009, 12:28

@c cassar
your sentiments are a joy to read...your puns a bit less. A foreigner who followed his instincts and went to see if he could help anyone and you brand him a publicity seekerI rather think it's you who is trying a bit hard to be noticed...your comments are too banal, egoistic and plain silly to be written by a level-headed person. Did you even read the part where it's mentioned that there was no tape cordoning off the barge yesterday: Is it so inconceivable to your 'dilettant' mind that someone might actually have swum close to it? People like you make me hate Malta.

E. Azzopardi

Sep 7th 2009, 12:28

Colin Cassar
1.No one is saying to abolish fiireworks altogether. Will all of you fanatics put it into your heads and stop accusing others of this?

2. You, being from Naxxar of all places, should be more carefull how to express yourself or have you already forgotten the pain othes suffered? Apparently you have.

3. Therefore, it seems to me that you are one of those many who enjoy the dangerous fireworks (there is no doubt about that) FROM A SAFE, REPEAT SAFE DISTANCE, and let the others risk their limbs and even their lives ( no doubt about that - quite a few poeple died because of fireworks) so that you can have an enjoyable weekend , from a safe distance, as always. Very nice and convenient as long as you are not in danger.

At least you thanked them for risking their lives for you and other fanatics. Very nice of you.

S VELLA

Sep 7th 2009, 12:25

@Colin Cassar Cont.
Very soon you will be awakened with the bangs of thunder...so what will you do? ask the Lord to change the course of Nature not to disturb you when you are asleep?
At least the fireworks come during one week of the year and in a specific time, with the police permit and stop when time is up, so why all this fuss?
Even the state celebrate national activities with fireworks, Not just in Malta (eg Olympic games,World cup etc), and a lot of regulations have been introduced, maybe YES we need more harsh laws but not bann fireworks.
I am glad there were no injuries in this accident, and I completely agree that when the people concerned do not abide by the laws, they are severly punished, but by blankly expecting to change the culture of thousands who love fireworks by expecting to bann the whole thing I thing you are being a bit too much.
I am not assosiated with any fireworks factory or involved at all because I am aware of the danger, BUT I enjoy watching the great ability of who does them and enjoy their bangs to mark the feast!

victor pulis

Sep 7th 2009, 12:20

The attack by C.Cassar on the person who jumped into the sea to help any one caught in the blast is unbelievable. As C.Cassar himself said in his comment the person did not know that there was no one on the barge. I'm sure if he had known he wouldn't have bothered. But for his altruistic action he gets branded as a show off and of trying to impress the girls. How ungrateful can one be. Whenever a fireworks room blows up tens of people turn up to try to be of assistance. Are they all show offs? Just pray that if someday you yourself is in need of help, hopefully never, you will find some 'show off' ready to impress the girls. As for the person who tried to help I say thank you. Not everyone thinks you're a show off.

Marco Axisa

Sep 7th 2009, 12:11

S Vella, I have yet to meet a tourist who tells me he/she comes to Malta for the fireworks. And why should they ,when their Countries do it so much better?. You must be living in cloud cuckoo land or have not gone anywhere out side these Islands to suggest that Maltese fireworks are better than anywhere else. It was always a myth and is even more now.. Take a trip to France or Australia or almost anywhere else if you require proof.

Deo Catania

Sep 7th 2009, 12:09

@ C Cassar. Ma tafx kemm mietu nies minhabba loghob tan-nar???? X'garanzija kellu l-pubbliku li hadd ma kien qed jahdem fuq il-barkun???

Paula Briffa

Sep 7th 2009, 11:57

At least no one got injured in this explosion!

S Vella

Sep 7th 2009, 11:52

@ Colin Cassar
What are you suggesting Mr Cassar that fireworks will be completely banned because there was an accident?
Yes this morning we woke up with the beautiful Bangs of fireworks at Naxxar bcause it is the village feast and Sunday night we had a spectacular ground fireworks display that attracted people from all around Malta and tourists, because our fireworks in Malta are unique and a tourist attraction. I dont think the tourists come to Malta for our beaches full of jellyfish or our sun,in which if you stay too long its harmfull...our neighbour mediterranean countries have exploited these tourist attractions much more than us, But yet ,so far,we still have traditional attractions that may attract tourists and one of them is our way of celebrating feasts with fireworks displays.When all goes well, everyone enjoys the hard work of many voulountiers who risk their lives, but when an accident happens some expect to bann everything...collective punishment!! illegal in democratic countries!!
If you dont like to wake up with the bangs of fireworks on the festa week I suggest you take a vacation away from our beautiful village.
Thankyou to all involved to give us such a spectacular beauty

Peter Naudi

Sep 7th 2009, 11:45

I was in the Barracuda kitchen when it all went off, we felt the building shake.
It was a great display to say the least, as for the hero there's always one idiot out there probably trying to impress some tart,

m anastasi

Sep 7th 2009, 11:38

Play with fire & you get burnt......

E. Azzopardi

Sep 7th 2009, 11:34

Only fanatics would say that there is no need for serious laws about this nonsense. ( Yes, that is my opinion and I have a right to it) Safety, my foot. Thank God it did not explode the previous weekend because many could see youngsters, amongst others, running on the barge when lighting the blessed "bombs".
It was not a matter of "if" but of "when" this barge would explode. And it did. After that we had peace and quiet. And next year it will happen again UNLESS those who say that they always listen will listen. Those who say there is no need to control this, are selfish and do not think of those who are lighting all these bombs on the barges or on the ground as long as THEY (those who do not want any serious control) enjoy themselves. Cannot be more of an egoist that this, can you? I 'm all right ------------------------------!
There are too many incidents happening lately, Somebody in authority wake up!!!!

Franco Farrugia

Sep 7th 2009, 11:17

@ C Cassar: I do not think that foreigner who went out of his way to try and see if he could be of any assistance, is an idiot. Your sentiments really leave me speechless. I sincerely hope that this episode will be yet another push to encourage the authorities to take the necessary action to curb and control and regulate these fireworks. Enough is enough.

Nigel Lawrence

Sep 7th 2009, 11:14

Many thanks, a couple of bangs, then a really nice peaceful evening. BLISS

C Cassar

Sep 7th 2009, 11:11

@ m calleja: Yes I was there. The guy who jumped in planning to be a 'hero' had to be rescued from the water himself. All that did was put extra pressure on the emergency services who quite rightly were focusing on the event that had just occurred on the barge.
Totally irresponsible reaction.

claire farrugia

Sep 7th 2009, 11:00

I feel this man who jumped in the sea to see if there were wounded is the hero of the evening, he was prepared to risk his life to see if anyone needs help.
Of course our first responsibility is towards ourselves, but it was probably a natural reaction of him to see whether anyone was in need of help... while one should not put his life in danger, one should also encourage that people do not look away when disasters happen or people get beaten or whatever and they take some action to try to save others.

m calleja

Sep 7th 2009, 10:29

@ c cassar

were you there? if not dont comment. along with many others, i was sitting on the neptunes pool deck 200m away - the blast was right into us. some of the people there last night are close friends of some of the san girgor committee members,

stuart - the guy who jumped into the sea - is a member of our club and certainly did not jump into the sea as a publicity stunt. he's an average, down to earth brtish man, whose only thought at that point in time was to help.

he didnt stop to think and merely jumped in on instinct. as he said he thought with his heart and not with his head.

Anthony Roberts

Sep 7th 2009, 10:27

Let's hope that if you are ever in danger, C. Cassar no 'idiot' will jump into the sea to try and save your life

M Eloff

Sep 7th 2009, 09:53

I can say that I FELT that explosion while watching TV in my apartment. I ran to my balcony to see what was going on and all I saw was smoke! I knew right away the Barge had exploded! I am just sorry I didn't get it on film as I am sure I would have made some money from this accident that was inevitable!

At least it turned into a quiet evening after that and I was able to relax on a Sunday evening in Peace!

JOSEPH SAMMUT

Sep 7th 2009, 09:52

mma and polic must not give permit to do this stupid things and cause danger for public

C Cassar

Sep 7th 2009, 09:47

The only foolish event yesterday was the 'foreigner' who jumped into the sea to swim out to the barge. Really, what an idiot. What was he expecting to achieve knowing nothing about the workings of the barge? He didn't even know that it'soperated remotely with no one on board and put the safety of the emergency staff that were on hand at risk. He was simply trying to gain publicity nut it's now back fired (sorry for the pun!) on him. Hopefully the police will deal out the appropriate punishment since he endangered others in order that they drag him out of the water.

What's needed is that the operators are compensated for their loss and a special display organised in the near future since this one left so many dissapointed. They should use more of the fantastic petards on the one off display, bigger than usual in order to announce that they are back in business.

The operators should be officially congratulated for having great safety precautions in place which clearly worked like clockwork yesterday evening.

Colin Cassar

Sep 7th 2009, 09:42

Seems that nothing will ever be done!

Safety first . . . Hahaha

Boom boom boom is what we have to make up with.

This early morning in Naxxar, we are already being bombarded!

Thank you dear authorities for your concern and your safety measures!

Let’s thank God that no lives were lost or serious burn injuries occurred.

Franco Farrugia

Sep 7th 2009, 09:28

But this episode shows, infinitely yet again, that there is great danger in this 'traditional pastime' and that things are not being done in a proper fashion, a fashion which would not impede on the safety of the people in general - even that of one individual. It could have happened anywhere - luckily, it happened out in the sea. All this shows that the authorities must take the bull by the horns, so to speak, and review this 'tradition'.

Raphael Selvagi

Sep 7th 2009, 09:23

Safety measures my foot, very, very lucky more likely! Had the petards ignited while being transfered from the barge to the smaller raft there would have been the mother of all explosions and a lot of floating dead bodies!

Joseph Galea

Sep 7th 2009, 08:51

Thank God nobody was hurt. The explosion was horrendous. The only positive thing about the incident was that we subsequently had a peaceful evening.