Imqaret prove fatal for elderly man

An elderly man who stopped to buy a bag of imqaret from a roadside stall was run over yesterday as he tried to cross the road to get back to his car, dying of his injuries later in hospital.

Salvu Grima, 73, who lived in Ħamrun, was driving his green Toyota Tercel down Valletta Road, Attard when he decided to stop for some imqaret (date fritters) and parked opposite the stall, eyewitnesses said.

He stepped out of his car and crossed the road to the small stall, which stands beside a fruit and vegetable seller.

The police said Mr Grima was crossing back to his car when he was hit by another vehicle shortly before 10.50 a.m. The charcoal grey Fiat Punto was being driven by a 30-year-old man.

Paramedics found the victim lying face down in a puddle of blood but still alive. He was rushed to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

The Fiat's windscreen was partly shattered and the mudguard was dented. Mr Grima's white paper bag of imqaret was found lying in the grass, at the roadside, still tightly rolled at the top.

The driver remained at the scene, where he was later joined by his father and eventually questioned by district police.

Investigations are being conducted by the Birkirkara District Police under the supervision of Inspector Kevin Farrugia.