Qormi stops for fireworks victims' funeral, petards let off in salute

Updated 5 p.m.

The large St Sebastian Parish Church was packed this afternoon for the joint funeral of Alfred Stellini and Damian Agius, who were killed in the fireworks factory explosion last Monday.

Flags flew at half mast and people applauded and wept openly as the coffins were carried into the church. Some threw flowers at the coffins.

The parish priest said at the opening of Mass that this was a gathering to show appreciation for what the two men had done and an expression of solidarity with their families.

In his homily he urged the people of Qormi to maintain the unity they were showing on this occasion. Such unity should be cultivated so that it was shown not only in tragedy, but every day.

President George Abela led the congregation.

Petards were let off in salute as the coffins were carried out of the Church. The coffins were carried in a cortège along the streets of Qormi, stopping in front of Pinto Band club and the store used for feast decorations. In front of these two places the coffins faced the doors and were saluted with flowers which were thrown from the balcones.

Bands from both Qormi parishes took part.

The two men were buried in the same grave at Zebbug cemetery.