Update3: Fireworks factory blows up, bodies of two men found

S. Vella

Feb 24th 2010, 08:10

@E. Bonnici

Roads and cars are a necessary evil, fireworks although beatiful, we can do without. I would personally would prefer, as Mario Azzopardi posted, rigorous upgrading of structures and full scientific and professional qualifications for all firework workers.

However, the authorties know that if these measures are implemented, then most firework factories will close due to lack of funding (cold storage for example is expensive) and due to lack of qualified personnel.

My condolences to the family.

Maria Karen Azzopardi

Feb 23rd 2010, 21:13

may you both rest in peace.... and may god be with both families especially in such difficult moments

E. Bonnici

Feb 23rd 2010, 19:58

@ James Piscopo
Naqbel mal-kumment li ghaddejt mija fil-mija. Facilment nista' nirrelata mieghu u kemm jistghu jweggghu l-familjari tal-vittmi minhabba lsien in-nies u certu kummenti li jghaddu li ma jaghmlux sens u li minflok jqawwulek qalbek, ikomplu jkissruk.

F'mumenti bhal dawn ahjar nieqfu ftit u nahsbu f'dawn shabna li sfortunatament m'ghadhomx maghna.

RIP DAMIEN u FREDU
Grazzi tal-hin li ghamiltu biex ikun jista' jitella' spettaklu tal-loghob tan-nar bhalma jaf jaghmel kull dillettant tal-loghob tan-nar u li jkollu ghall-qalbu l-festa tar-rahal. GRAZZI.

E. Bonnici

Feb 23rd 2010, 19:34

@ Ramon Casha
Jiena mhux qed nghid li ghax dak li jkollu jigri u jghaddi minn fuqek, isehh xorta wahda u ghalhekk m'ghandekx tiehu l-prekawzjonijiet, anzi 'l boghod minn hekk. Pero hafna Maltin jghaddu kummenti, fejn meta ssehh tragedja f'kamra tan-nar iwahhlu fil-kuncett tal-prekawzjonijiet u jirrimarkaw li hafna mid-dillettanti tan-nar ma jsegwuhomx. B'dawn il-kummenti ma jkunux jafu kemm ikunu qeghdin iweggghu qlub nies, l-aktar meta xi dillettant tan-nar jaghmel minn kollox biex jara li dawn ikunu mharsa kemm minnu u kemm minn shabu tal-ghaqda tan-nar. Hawnekk naraw li ghalkemm dawn iharsu kull regola u jiehdu kull prekawzjoni xorta wahda jsehhu tragedji bhal dawn. U dawn isehhu ghalkemm xorta wahda jigu riveduti r-regoli u jsiru aktar restrizzjonijiet, kif propju gara xhur ilu.

Jiena ma nafx ghaliex hafna Maltin jaghmlu ghageb fuq ir-regoli u l-prekawzjonijiet li ghandhom ikunu stabbiliti rigward il-manifattura tal-loghob tan-nar meta llum il-gurnata wasalna f'punt fejn nistghu nghidu li t-toroq Maltin saru aktar perikoluzi mill-kmamar tan-nar. U ghal dawk kollha li jghidu li dawn it-tragedji tal-kmamar tan-nar qed isiru aktar spissi, kemm qed isiru aktar spissi l-fatalitajiet fit-toroq Maltin? u ghalhekk kemm ghandna nirrevedu dawn ir-regoli wkoll? Izda sfortunatament dawn ir-regoli hadd ma jsemmihom, hlief meta nigu ghall-kmamar tan-nar.

CBORG

Feb 23rd 2010, 19:09

...and Sky Lanterns are banned because they pose a threat... what a joke.

Rest in peace.

simon amato

Feb 23rd 2010, 18:50

R>I>P Damian....you will never be forgotten by your work colleagues@ the Law COurts. We are proud we use to know you.A GREAT GENTLEMAN.St Sebastian will open his arms for you.

Maria Fenech

Feb 23rd 2010, 18:41

"were found after a crane lifted a large slab of concrete which had been the roof of the workshop where the powerful blast took place"

Lets suppose they survived the blast only to be crushed by the roof, in many other countries the roof are of a light material and the walls strong thick material. This is so the blast goes upwards and not to the sides possible damaging the surrounding area. Why don't we take this to Malta? This safety measure can't prevent explosions but it can save lives.

Mario Azzopardi

Feb 23rd 2010, 17:29

I think it is high time that this pasttime is well & truly regulated. I would propose air-conditioned or low temperature mixing rooms, finished products stored at minus 30 centigrade, raw materials same. Everybody involved should pass a tough exam in the basic chemistry of fireworks after a good course. Nobody allowed with 200 metres of a firework factory unless they are fully qualified. Not feasible: it is and about time too.

Jonathan Callus

Feb 23rd 2010, 14:22

@David Mizzi.
Before any national emergancy service can send her respective emergancy personell into a particular emergency area, the authorities need to make the area relativley safe for them to start rescue operations. This is an international policy and if it was not so, we would have more fatalities during such accidents. Keeping in mind that this was a fireworks factory, I am sure you agree that the hazards are even greater and preperation time might take slightly longer. Please keep in mind that emergancy services personell are well trained but are not a super heroes !!!

David Mizzi

Feb 23rd 2010, 13:24

Jiddispjacini hafna fuq li gara..... izda jiddispjacini wisq izjed li qed jinhela wisq hin prezzjuz biex jinstabu n-nies milquta mit-tragedja.. (6 sieghat !) Nippretendi li f' saghtejn in-nies ikunu nhargu.... Iktar u iktar meta kellek informazzjoni ta' kemm 'il persuna kien hemm maqbuda taht it-tifrik...

Allahares tinqala emergenza nazzjonali fil-pajjiz ... ghax ikollna nohduha b' ovvja li kull min ikun nieqes ... inkunu nistghu nqisuh li m' ghadux maghna.

Joss Galea

Feb 23rd 2010, 12:42

I don't know what the authorities are waiting for to make regulations about health and safety regarding this matter?! And building a school next to them!!! This is crazy!!! And we say that Malta is a safe place!!!

Alfred Abela

Feb 23rd 2010, 12:24

My deep sympathy with all the relatives of the victims. On a more personal note I couldn't help but wonder what would happen to my house and family if the fireworks factory of Lija were to have the same tragic incident . Traditions, culture, hobbies call it what you want but I still believe that we are all at stake on this island. Malta is too small and over populated to allow decent safe space between such buildings and the residential areas. Laws are not enforced. We will now have the usual scences of crying relatives, parish priests preaching, politicians sympathising with realatives and so on. Fact remains, however, that when all is said and done we will still carry on doing the same carless mistakes which have cost and will continue to cost the lives of many, and leave the rest of us living in fear that next time it could be closer to us. Something must be done and seriously about this problem.

L.Mizzi

Feb 23rd 2010, 11:34

All this non-sense about banning fireworks every time a factory blows up has to stop. I'm sure all the workers working in so called factories know the risks involved, and yet they still go. Why ? Because they love their hobby. We not involved in such a hobby should really stay out of it. Banning manufacturing of fireworks would only lead to illegal manufacturing and what would we get? Another Naxxar tragedy. Should the government ban vehicles because they claim a few lives a year? Ban planes for the same reason? Just my 2c worth

Joe Xuereb

Feb 23rd 2010, 11:29

My sympathy with the relatives/friends of the victims.
Also my sadness that reading too many of the comments here feels like I'm talking to children. Or at best, adults in denial.
Traditions are wonderful and made up by people/for people. But accidents will happen and will continue to happen if we continue to imprecate God and the saints for accidents not to happen and when they do, we pray some more. Grow up. God expects us to help ourselves and all that.
I am sure the fire-workers were professionals, a bit beyond the law, a bit too passionate. Not unlike bird-killers. But those who play with fire....
@Jennifer Cosaitis - 'I hope that all the men will be found safe and sound'. They would have been had the lethal fire-makers made their lethals by remote control.
@John Matthews - 'Fireworks are part of the Maltese way of life'. Some aspects of this wonderful way of life need reviewing.
Fireworks can be done away with or imported if they must. The men who like playing with fire can then find another, safer passion. Simple really.

salvu azzopardi

Feb 23rd 2010, 11:20

@ JOHNATHAN CALLUS

I agree 100% with you. It's not an easy task to control that crowd,and deal with all those emosions. Glad that in Malta we have such people

steve bonello

Feb 23rd 2010, 10:40

@ joseph.v.grech .jien nahseb f`dawn cirkostanzi l-ahjar li namlu nitolbu ghal dawn 2 persuni li mietu u ninghaqdu biex nitolbu ghalihom mhux noqodu insemmu regolamenti u kliem fil-vojt nirrispetaw lil familji ta dawn vittmi hu li ghaddejin min dieqa kbira

K Micallef

Feb 23rd 2010, 10:38

In this sad time indeed, which is far from being the first fireworks-related tragedy, the obvious question is: are these premises designed to withstand the pressures of a blast load, such as this? Are the walls and concrete roofs detailed such that there is no disproportionate collapse in the event of explosions? Building technology which might be adequate to a farming shed is surely not suitable for extreme blast loads. The authorities should assess existing facilities and ensure they are adequately designed to prevent such tragedies from occurring on a regular basis. God rest their souls.

Jonathan Callus

Feb 23rd 2010, 10:30

During such a difficult time, I cant not congratulate the Civil Protection Department, Army, Medics, Ambulance services and police for there services during such dangerous operations. Risking their lives to save other.

Nadya Cassar

Feb 23rd 2010, 09:46

Yes Indeed I have to express my solidarity with all the families who are passing through a bad time at this moment. These people dedicate their lives for their art. I am sorry but where is it safe? Beleive me I know.
2 minutes ago

E. Abela

Feb 23rd 2010, 09:27

Again loss of lives through accidents in fireworks factories. How many more in future. Cannot something be done to regulate properly the factories, see that they are in line with safety regulations. Admittedly, I am not a fan of fireworks - actually it is the excessive use of petards that annoy me, No doubt now we will all argue incessantly without any results but I suppose as long as we have a nearly state funeral, high mass at which all dignitaries attend,and the usual rhetoric, we will go on this way. Pathetic to say the least.

Emelia Caruana

Feb 23rd 2010, 09:25

NOT AGAIN Remember the boat incident not long ago in Sliema whats going on with SAFETY in MALTA this cant keep happening ....about time The GOVERNMENT brings in LAWS and INSPECTIONS its as if nothing is ever done about SAFETY . I feel the Maltese people need to get in the streets and protest if they want anything changed ACTION speaks louder than WORDS how sad indeed where are the inspectors I feel MALTA is too layed back with its SAFETY when it comes to FIREWORKS enough is enough LOVE AND LIGHT to the families of these now dead young men.

Charles Micallef

Feb 23rd 2010, 09:22

We express solidarity with the families and friends of the San Bastian Fireworks Factory disaster and assure them that we will remember them in our prayers for many years to come.
Having said that, when are we going to stop these unwarranted deaths..... all in the name of some people's passion for a hobby? Do they not realise what they are doing to their loved ones when they are gone?

Jennifer Bugeja

Feb 23rd 2010, 09:18

All i'm going to say is that soo many people for some reason desides to comment about an artical / acceident & just dont think before they speak.......please keep in mind that words you might be writing can be effective these victims friends & relatives.....so instead of compaining & saying it was there fault as its to risky to do such thing blablabla blabla bla bla why wouldnt you just say nothing at all....do you not go to fiests & see the fireworks on a saturday night??? do you not say wooow how nice that was....so shut up please & be a bit consious of what you write !! May you all rest in peace guys & you will always be remembered....RIP Damien

Michael Camilleri

Feb 23rd 2010, 09:02

If, as some are claiming, fireworks are being done by professionals and safety precautions are taken, would we be having this every few months?

R. Azzopardi

Feb 23rd 2010, 08:39

I am not really into fireworks and at times they bother me however, like many others, I'm the first to be awed at the colouful display so let's stop for a moment and pay our respects to two fallen gentlemen who work so hard to provide a spectacle (whether we appreciate it or not).

Sherese Atkins

Feb 23rd 2010, 08:17

RIP Damian. You will never be forgotten.

C. Farrugia

Feb 23rd 2010, 08:14

Quoting: "This fireworks factory is also situated very close to St.Ignatius College, Handaq.

The school grounds were students play or carry out PE lessons are amongst the closest school points in relation to the factory. When there was the previous school (Mikiel Anton Vassalli) it was not the first time that window panes were broken due to minor blasts at the factory. This time the blast seems to have been a major one."
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This is just sheer MADNESS....... metres away from a school. Fireworks factories should be as far from any residences, schools and people as possible. Is there NO LAW that stipulates this?? UNBELIEVABLE!!

Danny Apap

Feb 23rd 2010, 08:13

With great sadness I saw on the news via the internet the tragedy that happened yesterday, my condolence to the families of Damien Agius, and of Fredu Stellini. O Lord grant on to them eternal rest and may perpetual light shine on them. And speedy recovery for those who was injured, sad day for our beloved Town!

laurence schembri

Feb 23rd 2010, 08:06

Another two young lives have been lost, RIP.

Franco Farrugia

Feb 23rd 2010, 07:54

The President and the PM visit the site because it is their duty to do so; after all, they represent the general public and they visit the scene such as this in order to show that they are close to the people; why not.
However, I find the comment of C. Baldacchino is uncalled for and to be honest, disgusting. As if the present incumbent is some improvement over others we have had? Perhaps due to the fact that he comes from your political belief, Mr Baldacchino?

Carlo Brincau

Feb 23rd 2010, 07:36

You will always be in our hearts dear cousin.... RIP

J Ciantar

Feb 23rd 2010, 07:26

Im not particulalrly against fireworks, but Im not fond of the noise either. To be fair , to those that said we should stick to colour fireworks only, from what I know its the color chemicals that are the most dangerous during manufacture... but the noise is still a nuisance to me. The main problem here is if in accidents innocent people get hurt. Having said that , residences should not be built too near the factories for starters.. also like Mr Casha said , the buidlings have to be designed accordingly.

Carmel Garcia

Feb 23rd 2010, 07:24

Ghalkemm jiena kontra l-esagerazzjoni fin-nar, b'daqshekk ma jfissirx li jien kontra. Ghalhekk bil-loghob tan-nar jiena nara vokazzjoni f'dawk li jahdmu n-nar. U dawn huma professjonali u naf x'jien nghid. Kont involut ghal 'il fuq minn tletin sena fl-organizzazjoni tal-festa tal-Annunzjata f'Hal Tarxien u biex tidhol go kamra tan-nar mhux lakemm taqbad u tidhol. Meta konna mmorru nordnaw in-nar ma kienux ihalluna nidhlu ahseb w ara.

Kull kumment banali li jinaghad sinjal li min jiktbu ma jaf xejn dwar dan ix-xoghol tant delikat u perikoluz. Dan huwa delizju li ahna anke dawk li minn xi daqqiet jiktbu kontra, ilkoll inhobbu mmoru narawh.

Naghti l-kondoljanzi lil qraba tal-vittmi u l-Mulej jilqa fi hdanu lilhom ukoll. Ghatihom O Mulej il-Mistrieh ta' dejjem li jixirqilhom zgur.

Michael Spiteri

Feb 23rd 2010, 07:21

@D Delia
The President hails from Qormi. Shouldn't a president be near his people in times of distress?

C Baldacchino

Feb 23rd 2010, 06:53

Dear Mr. Delia
The Only reason The president of Malta went to visit the site is because he is from Qormi, and because this is the only president we had in ages that is close to the Maltese people.. I really admire him!!!!

Franco Farrugia

Feb 23rd 2010, 06:12

@ Michael Farrugia: Nobody is mentioning drugs here, mate: you are. I think that many people think in that manner - that the cons far outweigh the pros and that there should be much more restrictions to this so-called pastime. It's leaving far too many victims in its wake. For the greater glory of our saints? Hardly.

Ramon Casha

Feb 23rd 2010, 05:50

@E.Bonnici "Tajjeb li nghidu li dak li jkollu jigri u jghaddi minn fuqek, isehh minkejja l-prekawzjonijiet kollha li tiehu."

Le, sejjer żball. Hemm ħafna delizzji li fihom periklu imma jeżistu prekawzjonijiet biex jevitaw il-problemi. Jekk l-individwi li kienu qed jaħdmu hemm kienu qed isegwu dawn il-prekawzjonijiet, sinjal li dawn mhumiex biżżejjed.

Jien ma nifhimx fuq il-logħob tan-nar, imma naf li postijiet oħra, dawn il-kmamar għandhom soqfa ħfief apposta - kemm biex jekk ikun hemm splużjoni, din ma tifqax il-kamra imma titla' 'l fuq biss, u anke biex ma jaqax konkrit u blat fuq min kien hemm ġewwa. Jidher ċar li f' dan il-każ is-saqaf kien kollu konkrit. Dan huwa biss eżempju. Forsi wasal iż-żmien li nirrevedu r-regoli u prekawzjonijiet li jittieħdu. Jista' jsir studju dwar l-aħjar prekawzjonijiet u sistemi ta' sigurtà minn pajjiżi oħrajn, u naddottaw għal Malta sett ta' regoli u prekawzjonijiet ġodda sabiex jiġu evitati iżjed imwiet.

s pace

Feb 23rd 2010, 01:28

Compared to the number of persons engaged in it, fireworks "manufacturing" is statistically the most dangerous and life threatening activity on these islands. As much dedicated and qualified enthusiasts are, or claim to be, the number of accidents is giving me the impression that the whole approach is still somewhat casual and parochial.

I think its time that every club or owner of such time bombs should be made to employ one or two supervisors, responsible for every aspect of safety, with enough authority to discipline or kick out any laxity, and to stop the work if there is not the correct atmospheric environment. Erring on the side of caution. This would at least minimise risks.

These should be real paid managers, out of town, legally liable and scientifically qualified. These should not be the age old self appointed village expert who thinks that time and experience alone made him a professor.

In any case, if there is no political will to enforce an obligatory professional setup and rigid controls, even if in a part-time activity, such sad loss of life is going to continue. Explosives are way too serious to be left to the hobbyist's own judgement and responsability.

James Piscopo (PRO, Kumm. Zghazagh Bastjanizi)

Feb 23rd 2010, 01:10

Il-parroċċa tagħna ġa mifnija bid-dwejjaq ta' din it-traġedja ta' ħutna Damian u Alfred. Ċertu kummenti hawn isfel ikomplu jżidu il-weġa tal-familjari. Dawn ma kienux qed jagħmlu xi ħaġa llegali, dawn kienu qed jużaw ħinom biex jien, int u ħaddieħor jgawdu spettaklu tan-nar. Ejjew nqisu kliemna qabel ngħiduh. Tislijiet Djamant, Tislijiet fred.

Gianni Xuereb

Feb 23rd 2010, 01:08

@J. Tonna: I don't care if they happen elsewhere. Two wrongs doesn't make one right.

Are we happy with this situation of 2 people dying every 4 months ? Yes or No ?

What qualifications do these people have ? Do they really know what they're dealing with ?

I'm not saying that we should ban fireworks. I'm saying these people should be given training, and lots of training. Anyone without the necessary qualifications shouldn't even come close to these factories, let alone work there.

M. J. Mallia

Feb 23rd 2010, 00:50

Am I missing something here? Does having the president and the prime minister going on site signal an endorsement of theirs for a natonal hobby which claims lives and endangers that of others year in, year out?

Wilfrid Buttigieg

Feb 22nd 2010, 23:18

This fireworks factory is also situated very close to St.Ignatius College, Handaq.

The school grounds were students play or carry out PE lessons are amongst the closest school points in relation to the factory. When there was the previous school (Mikiel Anton Vassalli) it was not the first time that window panes were broken due to minor blasts at the factory. This time the blast seems to have been a major one.

Luckily this incident did not happen during school hours, or worse during break time, the noise of a the blast alone could have been quite a shocker for the school community, let alone any other form of debris or smoke.

The educational authorities should take note of this constant danger especially when designing the new school which is planned to be developed right next to St.Ignatius College. Prevention is better than cure and such possible threats to children's and educators health and safety should not be left to chance.

JOSEPH BAJADA

Feb 22nd 2010, 23:05

@ Joseph V. Grech.. speak up for yourself mr...your words may hurt most enthusiastics who work all year round to offer all maltese people and tourists great pyrothechnics shows.. BY banning you would not solve anything...dont be greedy.!!!!!!!!! god help the families involved in this difficult moment

Jesmond Micallef

Feb 22nd 2010, 23:00

I know that these people have a deep rooted passion for fireworks, and they do some amazing things, but please please MUCH MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE HERE, something is lacking somewhere. Lack of knowledge, storage conditions, mixture preparations, sources of ignition, the general upkeep of these places, etc etc......... Are there Government Audits conducted on such premises ?

Accidents happen indeed, fact of life, but the culture of accident prevention, safety first should be second to none, simply because of the fact that "ACCIDENTS DO AND WILL HAPPEN".

That is the "plain philosophy" behind Accident Prevention and Safety.

What do the statistics show ? What do official Accident Investigation Reports indicate ?

I wish these two missing people all the best.

Joe Micallef

Feb 22nd 2010, 22:55

So ground fireworks are dangerous as well??!!

Will the police investigate the situation in Tarxien.
To date ground fireworks were always taken lightly, but from this case it seems thaat they can create serious explosions as well.

I praise the lord that someone do something about this before it's more too late!!

From the other side, i praise the lord also that they work it in a safe place, that is licensed. (Tough i doubt)

Alfred Grech

Feb 22nd 2010, 22:49

Please fireworks enthusiasts, study more about the safety requirements and observe them faithfully.

Peter Murray

Feb 22nd 2010, 22:44

When we will ever learn and how many more will have to perish before we control and monitor fireworks production more robustly?What a sad indictment on our inabilty to act appropriately and accountably by failing to pass legislation for this most perilous production.

d.debono

Feb 22nd 2010, 22:43

martri tad-delizzju hu min ma jifhimx ma jikkumentax. 100% positive fuq li qal e.bonnici. naghtu is-support kollu lil din l'ghaqda w il-familjari taghhom li bhal issa jinsabu f'dan il-mument tassew difficli.

lzammit

Feb 22nd 2010, 22:34

It is irrelevant saying from where the explosion was heard or how loud it was. Spare a thought and say a prayer for the victims and their families. However, such tragedies have been going on for some time, year in year out I must say. Something has to be done very soon. Stern warnings suggesting more caution do not seem to be working. So drastic action has to be taken sooner rather than later.

Adrian Said

Feb 22nd 2010, 22:20

God will be the victims' families. Thankfully it didn't blow up in the morning considering that there's a SCHOOL, meters away from the fireworks factory. I think that the tragedy would have been much bigger. Hopefully this fireworks factory will be moved away from the school. By the way, another school is going to be built next to this fireworks factory.

Paul Barrett

Feb 22nd 2010, 22:02

The news is not looking good for two and my heartfelt feelings go to their relatives and friends in what must be a very sad time for them.
That the rescue teams had difficulty in reaching the factory due to people crowding around the incident is also not good news. I can understand extremely brave people putting their own lives in danger by going to see if they can assist and also friends and relatives being concerned but really they should keep a clear passage and allow fast access for the rescue teams.

C. Gatt

Feb 22nd 2010, 22:01

Dear J. Tonna, i really hope that most Maltese people think the way you do. We should be proud that we have such dedicated (skilled) people who entertain us with such lovely fireworks during our feasts, providing another reason for tourists to admire our country. I just wish that they will be more careful so that such accidents will be prevented. The government should also help them.

Joseph V. Grech

Feb 22nd 2010, 22:01

@Matthew Muscat and Michael Farrugia - Has it occurred to you that in promoting this really dangerous activity (on the part of others including those possible killed or maimed in today's blast) you are definitely showing rather SELFISH tendencies on your part?
I like colourful fireworks just like you do. They's beautiful - works of art, really! But I still think their manufacture should be abolished once and for all. Safeguarding people to me comes before personal enjoyment and gratification.
Explain your view to the victims' families!

G Falzon

Feb 22nd 2010, 21:42

STOP this ridiculous, sensless sport that brings good to nobody. What is the gain from this voluntary exposure, for those involved hands-on and others who happen to be near, to danger and nothing but danger?

D Spiteri

Feb 22nd 2010, 21:24

If the manufacture of fireworks was to be banned do you think that it will stop completely?? I doubt it....i know what i am talking about cause i have uncles and cousins who do fireworks and we passed from this type of accident in our family and we know what it feels like and they still go no matter what happens....it is their hobby to do the firework!!!!

Richard Galea

Feb 22nd 2010, 21:07

Why does the Law restrain me to my car seat with a seat belt.....While nothing is done to prevent such a carnage?

Michael Farrugia

Feb 22nd 2010, 20:56

@ Joseph V. Grech.... please don't say those words it hurts to hear you saying "they should simply ban such activity and pronounce it illegal. " as if these were drugs. for these accidents to be minimised the manufacturers have to be more careful when doing fireworks especially in high humidity.

J. Tonna

Feb 22nd 2010, 20:55

Do you think that these accidents happen only in Malta?

This "carnage" will never stop, it doesn't matter if you're professional or not, an accident is an accident, ti can happen to anyone, anywhere.

The Gov makes it even harder, in other countries governments help firework factories, whereas here its the other way round.

These people make this practice from the bottom of their heart, and it certainly won't be these accidents that will stop them.

Some people really don't know how to appreciate these things, and that they bring honor to our country.

Matthew Muscat

Feb 22nd 2010, 20:37

@ Joseph V. Grech

Why do you need ban such cultural things and hobbies for other people? I'm not a fan of fireworks, but I really appreciate for those all people that sacrifice their life and have fun doing it.

Why dont we ban everything than? Come on. Its not the point to ban or not. The point is to appreciate the work they do. In every single way you do you can get hurt badly. We just need to be real careful on what to do!!

smifsud

Feb 22nd 2010, 20:27

my thoughts are with the family of the people that were in that building ....but i remind everyone that driving a car in malta is more dangerous then this firework factory ......please God i hope all is ok .....god bless them all ....

C. Farrugia

Feb 22nd 2010, 20:21

It is of no use writing much, what's done is done.........we can just hope for the best in the situation.

Fireworks are a *part* of our tradition.....but IS IT WORTH THE RECURRING LOSS OF LIFE? Accidents do happen, and can do so anywhere, but around pyrotechnics, the chance of getting away with it is far too low!

It has become almost - something that we expect to happen - and the next day, life goes on!!

John Matthews

Feb 22nd 2010, 20:17

If anyone has been hurt in this explosion, my heart goes out to them and their loved ones.
Some 46 years ago my wife and I lived in Naxxar Road Lija and the fireworks factory at the back of our flat(some distance away) blew up.
Fireworks are part of the Maltese way of life and it would be a sad day if they are discontinued. I'm sure all the necessary safety steps were taken but, as in any situation accidents do happen.

E.Bonnici

Feb 22nd 2010, 20:02

@ Albert Farrugia
Bir-rispett kollu, jekk ma tifhimx u m'ghandekx idea rigward il-manifattura tal-loghob tan-nar tikkummentax. Kull min jahdem il-loghob tan-nar huwa minnu nnifsu professjonali u jaghmel dan b'kapacita kbira u b'dedikazzjoni liema bhalha.

Apparti minhekk meta nigu ghas-sahha u s-sigurta, l-individwi nvoluti fil-kmamar tan-nar jaraw li jharsu kull regola u jahdmu l-loghob tan-nar b'responsabbilta kbira. (Tajjeb li nghidu li dak li jkollu jigri u jghaddi minn fuqek, isehh minkejja l-prekawzjonijiet kollha li tiehu.) Hafna mill-Maltin ghandhom it-tendenza li hafna drabi jghaddu kummenti bla sens rigward il-manifattura tal-loghob tan-nar f'Malta, izda imbaghad dawn ikunu minn tal-ewwel li jmorru jaraw l-ispettakli tal-loghob tan-nar fil-festi Maltin u Ghawdxin.

L-ahhar izda mhux l-inqas naghti l-kondoljanzi tieghi lill-familjari ta' dawk li bhalissa jistghu jkunu maqbuda taht it-terrapien. Kuragg u taqtghux qalbkom! Ghaddejt mill-istess esperjenza u naf x'jigifieri!

analise abela

Feb 22nd 2010, 19:58

i heard frm b.kara as well ...

J Oatmon

Feb 22nd 2010, 19:53

Lets hope no one was hurt - but this is the normal way of things in Malta, it happens every year, firework explosions, injuries and death, with the sick unable to sleep, and pets scared out of their wits, because of the petards - I say ban all petards and enforce the laws.

And the real problem is these 'enthusiasts' don't want anyone to legally enforce proper safety on them, nor do they want to have to pay insurance - for the victims and property damages.

D. Farrugia

Feb 22nd 2010, 19:52

Some argue that these people work hard and risk their lives for our enjoyment. True, they do risk a lot and the fact that they are so devoted to pyrotechnics goes without saying. I am terribly sorry for all casualties past, present and future and my condolences to the families. But the 'festi' are not for everyone's enjoyment I'm afraid. Some have to endure a lot of suffering during these feasts. My family and I can always move away until the feast is over but many others cannot and have to endure it all. You only need to live a stone's throw away from where the petards are lit to think twice about 'enjoyment'. It's a nightmare. Why do we have to make so much noise to celebrate our patron saints? Why can't we just stick to the coloured petards and do away with the piercing bombi, 'cause this is what causes the bulk of the noise and gross discomfort.

Andrew Cachia

Feb 22nd 2010, 19:48

Heard the big bang from Mosta. IT Was so loud that i thought it was almost in my backyard

Jennifer Cosaitis

Feb 22nd 2010, 19:42

I hope that all the men will be found safe and sound. Also heard & felt it in Birkirkara. May God be with them.

Joseph V. Grech

Feb 22nd 2010, 19:36

Why do such serious incidents continue to happen? Certainly because, no matter how rigorously attentive the manufacture of fireworks may be, lapses in attention will happen sooner or later - with disastrous effect!
If politicians really mean to protect the lives of people and families they should simply ban such activity and pronounnce it illegal. Otherwise it will all amount to just crocodile tears.

C Saliba

Feb 22nd 2010, 19:29

@Albert Farrugia:
There four people involved ARE qualified to make fireworks, but as Mr. Chetcuti said it is irrelevant in such accidents. May God be with them.

Darren Gauci

Feb 22nd 2010, 19:21

Albert kun ghaf li min jahdem in-nar kwazi kolla jekk mux kolla jkunu bravissimi.

Albert Farrugia

Feb 22nd 2010, 19:14

When will the carnage stop? Hopefully no-one was killed this time round, but it´s about time that fireworks manufacturing is done ONLY by professionals.

Joseph Gauci

Feb 22nd 2010, 19:09

Unfortunatly it's our towns' turn another fireworks factory. The explosion was so loud and near that I tought the house was going to fell on us. May God and San Bastjan be with those in need.

E.Azzopardi

Feb 22nd 2010, 18:52

God help those in need ,hope no one was there so there won't be any victims.btw i think it was the explosion coz i heard it while ago ,this is from Bugibba.

R Abela

Feb 22nd 2010, 18:51

Apparantament tar il-mahzen. Huwa mifhum li kien hemm 2 gewwa.

mario gauci

Feb 22nd 2010, 18:50

there were 3 people in the explosion hope no one hurt

A. Borg

Feb 22nd 2010, 18:48

Minn Santa Lucija hassejniha sew. J'Alla ma wegga hadd.

R Marquette

Feb 22nd 2010, 18:47

Heard the explosion from Mosta ... a very faint one however. Just heard on a local TV station that initial reports say that there were people in the factory during the time of the explosion. May God be with them! These people risk their lives and spend their money for us to enjoy the fireworks!

S Bonnici

Feb 22nd 2010, 18:46

Felt it even from Tarxien

Kevin Gauci

Feb 22nd 2010, 18:45

hope know one is injured although heard that there are 1 under the rubble.

Chris Ellis

Feb 22nd 2010, 18:43

Ohra. Unfortunately.

C Lautier

Feb 22nd 2010, 18:41

I heard the explosion. Hope no one got hurt! btw I live in Hamrun.

Louise Vella

Feb 22nd 2010, 18:36

From Swatar we felt it too..

M. Aquilina

Feb 22nd 2010, 18:36

Ahna smajniha......smajna murtal wiehed biss jisplodi!!! Nispera li ma kien hemm hadd, il-bini jerga jitla' imma l-hajjiet ma jigu lura qatt....San Bastjan itlob ghal min jista' jkun li ntlaqat minn din l-ispluzjoni!!!!!! S'issa ghadna ma smajna xejn!!!

I Abela

Feb 22nd 2010, 18:34

I heard the main door rattle at 6:15 (ie 15 minutes ago) following a faint bang. PS I live at San Gwann

E Compagno

Feb 22nd 2010, 18:31

Wow. I felt and heard it. Massive explosion shook the windows. Hope no one is hurt.