Updated: 7.30 a.m.

The Ghaxaq St Joseph fireworks factory exploded last night but no one was hurt.

The explosion was heard over a wide area at about 11.45 p.m.

Officers from the AFM's explosive ordnance disposal unit, the Civil Protection Department and the police were on site to make the area safe. A large number of people watched proceedings.

According to initial reports, the blast took place in the middle of a cluster of rooms, damaging the facade of the complex. The police said there was no one in the complex at the time,

Magistrate Doreen Clarke is holding an inquiry.

The Ghaxaq St Joseph fireworks factory is one of the leading pyrotechnic producers and came second in the international fireworks festival two years ago. It was also second in the mechanised ground fireworks festival this year.

The explosion will recall a tragedy suffered by Ghaxaq on February 15, 1970 when five enthusiasts died when the St Joseph fireworks factory exploded during the afternoon.

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