Fireworks enthusiast succumbs to injuries

After fighting for his life for almost two months, Mario Farrugia yesterday succumbed to the injuries he sustained in an explosion at a fireworks factory in Bidnija in October.

Mr Farrugia, 26, from Mosta, died after he suffered burns on almost 90 per cent of his body in an explosion on October 24 in a factory in the outskirts of Mosta. Two men, also from Mosta - Ġużeppi Mangion, 81, and Edmond Saliba, 39 - were also slightly injured in the explosion.

Mr Farrugia was mixing flash powder - an explosive material that produces a loud bang and a flash of light when ignited - before the explosion took place. Eight people were at the factory when the blast occurred but the majority escaped with superficial injuries.