President Abela collapses at funeral
Conditon not serious; caused by exhaustion, emotion
Overcome by emotion and exhaustion, President George Abela collapsed yesterday because of low blood pressure during the funeral of long-time friend and entrepreneur Angelo Fenech.
He was kept under observation overnight in hospital after tests revealed that Dr Abela's condition was not serious and was the result of exhaustion and emotion.
He was rushed to Mater Dei at around 10.45 a.m. after he passed out briefly at the Qormi parish church while the priest was reading the Gospel. He was unconscious for a few minutes and helped into the sacristy where Social Policy Minister John Dalli and Labour Leader Joseph Muscat were among the first to see if he needed assistance.
A witness said the incident caused a huge commotion as Dr Abela was taken out through the side door of the church in a wheelchair to a waiting ambulance.
His long working hours in the past days coupled with the shock at Mr Fenech's sudden death, who was a very good friend of his, were the main culprits, according to official reports.
A spokesman for the Office of the President said Dr Abela had been working tirelessly and was exhausted. He had a very busy schedule trying to keep up with the preparation work for the fund-raising campaign L-Istrina and his official duties as President.
On Thursday, Dr Abela received the letters of credence of four ambassadors in a span of four hours and almost two weeks ago led and completed a seven-kilometre charity run to collect money for L-Istrina with the backing of thousands who took part.
The results of the routine medical tests, which included swine flu, were clear and this morning Dr Abela was due to be seen again by doctors.
Acting Prime Minister Tonio Borg visited Dr Abela in the afternoon.
Comments of support and well-being for Dr Abela flooded timesofmalta.com and the three political parties wished him a speedy recovery.