Update 4: Fireworks factory explodes - No one injured

Christian Sciberras

Apr 17th 2010, 18:17

This is ample proof that Malta has human life to spare.
Why you ask? Well, we've all seen people die in the name of science, in the name of Christ/Allah/whatever, but dieing for a lough (entertainment) during some feast?

P Smith

Apr 17th 2010, 10:40

@R Aquilina
Of Course you will say you have a permit! I would like OFFICIAL confirmation though. And instead of letting you extend the factory, the Authorites should close it down - even if for the sake of your own families!
You said "don't wait another accident to happen pls". Are you expecting another one any time soon?

Robert Aquilina

Apr 16th 2010, 21:27

Answer to Mr A.Azzoppardi:
1) No it's not true that the firework factory of gharghur is without license.]
2) They are allowed to carry on, so may be if you work in the tourist sector you continue to have your daily income, only for that because otherwise fireworks will be extinct as hunting and trapping had been.
3) yes it is true that we bought a field to extend the factory And BTW, also with the necessary permits!!
You have more questions?..don't wait another accident to happen pls

Kevin Gauci

Apr 16th 2010, 19:44

@ A. Azzopardi if the factory has no license the distributers of the materials can not go and sell them material because they will be held by police. And if they dont have a licence they would not be preparing a massive feast!!

R. Mazzitelli

Apr 16th 2010, 12:48

Biex nibda nirringrazzja l-Alla li hadd ma wegga. nixtieq nirrispondi ftit nies li kkumentaw hawn taht biex jghidu li hallew comment fuq din id dizgrazzja u fuq kull dizgrazzja li tigri.
L-ewwel xol ghal min qal li dawn huma amateurs...ma tafx xint tghid siehbi amateur xi 1 bhalek li jrid iparla minghajr ma jaf x'knowledge fuq it tahlit ghandhom dawn in-nies. forsi hafna minnhom ma jafux skola u ma jafux jiktbu imma kapaci jaraw dak li int ma tarax u kapaci jifmu dak li int ma tifimx, gabu licenzja li int m'ghandekx.
Ghal dawk li semmew il-bini ta l-avvicinanzi...il-kmamar tan nar f'dak l-inhawi ilhom hafna hemm qabel il-bini mela jekk jghogobkom issemmux ghax hemm kamra tan nar semmu izda kif l-awtoritajiet hargitilkom il-permess biex tibnu f'zona ta periklu.
ghal min jahseb li l-hobby tieghu ma jpogix f'periklu lil hadd iehor semmu l-dawk il-kaccaturi li jmorru ghal kacca fejn il-kmamar tan nar b'riskju li jaqa c-comb jahraq fil-kamra.
L-awtoritajiet misshom jisthu!! 10 snin jiggieldu ghat triq ilhom il Gharghur qas access ghal amulanza m'hemm allura imwiet iridu?? imwiet iridu biex jigu jidru fuq it-tv il-parlamentari??
Jien irrid kmamar b'iktar sigurta kmamar zghar..u mbedin min xulxin..b'access xieraq.

Mario Zammit

Apr 16th 2010, 11:34

I aggree there will be more safety and precautions.
About the usual comments regarding closure of Factories and ban on Fireworks, Im sorry to see that you are all being opportunistic and take these occasions to manipulate in your favour. To say to others to find other hobbies dosent make sense. You can ban something only because you dont like it, and this is what most of these so called anti fireworks people are doing. In a small country like ours We have to accept and tollerate each other.

Fireworks are used in all countries of the world. This is an art, and many of you dose nt appreciate. In Malta We are called Masters because Maltese Fireworks are concidered as the Best Fireworks in the world. I say, Maltese Fireworks are a National Herritage, or I can go furthure and say its a World Herritage. This is the best publicity Malta can get, when you ll see Malta being the most praised country on the world best Fireworks Websites and Forums.

Please instead of throwing mud on Fireworks, try to appreciate the sacrifice these people are doing, not for themselves but to their Patron Saint & to our country.

Melvyn Vassallo

Apr 16th 2010, 10:06

As yet I still have to hear of Firework Factories moving closer to housholds and buildings !!

Mark Pullicino

Apr 16th 2010, 09:33

Kien ghall-habta tat-3.20pm, meta l-poplu Gharghuri nhasad u thawwad malli nsemghet l-ispluzzjoni. L-gharghurin hargu minn djarhom u grew ghan-naha maghrufa Ta' Zaghruna biex jaraw x'gara, kulhadd ifittex u jipprova jikkuntatja lil qrabatu li jahdmu n-nar. Kulhadd ixxukjat imma fortunatament il-patrun taghna San Bartilmew salva lid-dilettanti u r-rahal minn disgrazzja kbira, xahar biss qabel il-festi centinarji. Grazzi kbir Appostlu San Bartilmew!! Hadd ma' jista' jgerger u jilmenta mill-posizzjoni tal-post tan-Nar, ghaliex jinsab go wied, il-boghod possibli mid-djar u n-nies! Apparti kollox, il-poplu Gharghuri irrabjat bil-kbir ghall-Awrotitajiet tal-pajjiz minhabba li la il-Fire Engine u lanqas l-Ambulanza ma tista tidhol lejn il-Kamra tan-Nar. Ilna madwar 10 snin nilmentaw, sahansitra tkellmina mal-Prim Ministru Gonzi ftit jiem qabel l-elezzjoni, baghtna E-Mails regolari direttatment lil Prim Ministru u baqa qatt ma sar XEJN!!! Il-bierah kienet il-konferma, in-nar fil-fdalijiet tal-Kamra tan-Nar baqa' jaqbad, b'riskju kbir li jkompli jinfirex u jasal vicin l-istores ppakkjati bil-murtali, ovvjament ghax l-ebda ghajnuna ma setghet tasal sal-post. Fortunatament, in-nar ma nfirix. Nispera li issa malajr kemm jista jkun titiehed azzjoni biex din l-imbierka triq tinfetah, ghaliex hawn Malta l-azzjoni DEJJEM wara xi dizgrazzja tittiehed!! Vera pajjiz tal-Mickey Mouse!!! Gheziez dilettanti tan-Nar, il-poplu Gharghuri jinsab vicin taghkom bhal dejjem!!!

Michael Grech

Apr 16th 2010, 09:04

While everyone has the right to practice whatever hobby s/he enjoys; as long as s/he does not endanger or inflict harm on others (humans and other animals); I believe that the church is highly inconsistent regarding the issue. While on the one hand it condems people who are suffering and decide to temrinate their existence on grounds that this contradicts the value of life which we should cherish, it takes a very 'tolerant' approach regarding those who risk their lives (and the livelihood of their families) becuase of thier 'hobby' or because of the idolatrous belief that one is augmenting a Saint's glory through the firing of petards (Catholic teaching holds that if the Saint is enjoying God, her/his glory cannot be perfected) . Instead it blesses and encourages such practices, hypocritcally adding that they should be 'careful', cautious and perhaps recite the odd prayer! But then, being consistent with the values preached may endanger the residual hold the parish priest has on his flock!

Having said this, I am utterly glad that the two friends of mine (I hail from the same village) were not hurt.

A Azzopardi

Apr 16th 2010, 08:51

Is it true that this particular factory never had a licence?
Is they do not have a licence why are they allowed to carry on?
Is it true they bought a field nearby to extend the factory?

Chris Grech

Apr 16th 2010, 08:44

@ R camilleri.
hafna min nies li jahdmu n nar huma esperti fuq dan ix xol. min ghandu licence A irid ikun jaf sew fuq dan ix xol u f'dan il qasam. min ghandu licence b ma jkunx jista jamel kollox (bhal tahlit etc) fil kmamar tan nar.
@ all
dawn in nies li jahdmu in nar, tahsbu intom li gost u pjacir taghhom li jsiru l-accidents?
ZGUR LI LE.
@ trever zarha
100 fil 100 li dawk li kienu prezenti ser jikkoperaw ser mal awtoritajiet, specjalment mal puluzija.

Timmy Farrugia

Apr 16th 2010, 08:31

i dont think its a questions about whether to close down fireworks factories or not. its more a question of law enforcement and conforming with international standards. also, i believe fireworks factories should not be close to habitated areas and should be far away enough not to be of risk to the public. apart from the authorities, people who have this hobby should also be responsible.

Joseph Ellul - Sydney

Apr 16th 2010, 07:42

Please note that some of these explosions are not due to direct human error. I know that RATS are are very fond of eating the shells of fireworks and it would not be the first time that rats have caused this to happen. After these explosions the rats are totally obliterated.
So, the laws should be strengthened to keep pests out of these sensitive explosion zones.

MG Buttigieg

Apr 16th 2010, 06:25

It is not banning fire works that is necessary but changing a a dilettanti culture. yesterday the air was very humid and even a new born child knows that fireworks are not to be handled in these climatic conditions. We should not be only thankful that nobody was injured and that's it but any breech of regulations should be punished even in this instance.

Pule' Carmel

Apr 16th 2010, 02:11

There is enjoyment in THE RISK TAKEN. People who bet, attend casinos, smoke, hunt, bullfight, Rodeos, drive fast, steal, sex, circus acts, do acts for guiness book of records, etc. the pleasure of RISK affects the adrelanine, and the excitment of RISK kills many stunt pilots, race drivers, stuntmen. These people would never opt for that which does not involve RISK , for it is the thought in our brains of handlling that which is more powerful than us that seems to cause some fullfillmen to those who are not satisfied with what is "normal and falls under the title of being mononotonous, gentle, exciting, or even agressive". I believe the thought of controlling the invisible power beyond our body is a pleasure that warrants the RISKS involved. Recently while driving on the Rabat Mgarr road for festa frowli and festa Mgarrijja, I saw a few very powerful motorcycles being driven very fast by shirt only wearing drivers. Their faces showed their breathless bewildered sense of pleasure in being KINGS of a POWERFUL MACHINE and what is more THEY WERE SHOWING THIS ABILITY IN COMPETITION. To them the pleasure warranted theRISK. To me as an old man, it was foolish.

ms g hoare

Apr 16th 2010, 02:01

@ JO GALEA

MIN JERSAQ HDEJN IN -NAR JINHARAQ JISTA , FOR YOUR INFORMATION GOD LEAVES US TO OUR OWN DEVICES il kumment tieght huwa dawgha we choose to do things for fun or for pleasure mabe if they find a hobby that is less dangerouse not just for themselves but even for others ,

Maria Grima

Apr 16th 2010, 02:00

Like them or not ,Fireworks are just another strong charchterstic of Malta's culture,like even hunting.These passions ,and socio cultural traditions should still be preserved with better enforcement ,but never ever should be totally eliminated.Due to residences which were built close to fireworks factories,should never play as victims as they chose to be...

E. Azzopardi

Apr 16th 2010, 01:12

We never learn. Harsher regulations are "supposed" to be in force and still these factories go up in smoke, Luckily this time there were no deaths. Next week we forget all about it and just wait for the next one to go and the persons in there may not be so lucky.. It's inevitable.

Joseph Mamo

Apr 16th 2010, 00:28

I was in Marsalforn square and felt it as well.

Marco A. Ciliberti

Apr 16th 2010, 00:21

I will not even attempt to tackle the arising argument .... Truth is that we have had enough and living so close, as the lady from Madliena declared, is scary. Our lives have been shattered in the middle of a peaceful afternoon. I ran for my kids fearing the worst. Just because some amateur licenced by a bunch of amateurs [Commissioner of Police pls take note - let us know what qualifications in chemistry, physics and balistics have before granting them a licence !] managed to run for his life. Everythig is so much regulated these days ... when is the government going to step in ? Or is the goverment so close to the church authorities as to prevent it from being impartial on this issue ? And what about Mgr. Gouder now ? Probably this is all profrane and nothing to do with the glorification of our saints. I would love to see all those responsible, from the civil to the churh authorities attempting to justify themselves one more time !

Jesmond Micallef

Apr 15th 2010, 23:50

These events are simply happening too often for them to be considered "normal events". Accidents do and will happen but the frequency of these events is indicating that FURTHER INTERVENTION is now required. From a qualitative perspective, something seems to be out of control, here.

Regarding the safe performance of this trade/craft, Mr. Trevor Zahra has very wisely indicated a form of a license here. If such a formative process is not already in force, then I think it should. This will make sure that the necessary knowledge is present, in this obviously hazardous craft.

Considering the history of these events here, there should also be past data and evidence, in the form of Legal Inquiry Reports which should be put to good use here by the Inpsectorate in order to maybe give this a much more deeper scientific dimension.

I am very glad that nobody got hurt, and that includes members of the public.

This is only my own simple humble opinion, nothing else. I know that the Inspectorate does its work here but just wanted to put in a small contribution, if I may.

daniel farrugia

Apr 15th 2010, 23:39

1 the authorities for once should listen to the enthusiasts, for example the gharghur factory made an officail request for a wider road 10 years ago for their safety and this request has not yet been accepted.
2 @Mr.Xuereb
yes malta is a densley populated country but i can assure you that the people who build near the fireworks factories are all villas of rich people who want a space (most probably illegal) in the country side! so thats not an EXCUSE!!
3 yes fireworks in malta are appreciated by many not as you say just by few. Go for example to the imqabba feast and many more to see the amount of people (thousands!!!).

R Camilleri

Apr 15th 2010, 23:37

@ Roderick Micallef
Are you sure that all the necessary precautions are taken?

Do fireworks factories have explosion proof lighting and equipment, conductive flooring and clothing, automated machinery for dangerous operations such as mixing and priming, strict health and safety rules, proper knowledge of the compounds used and the chemistry involved etc.

If these conditions are satisfied, then I would say that the necessary precautions are taken. But till then, I'm afraid, we will have to put up with more explosions.

Claire Busuttil

Apr 15th 2010, 20:38

Ghanhda issir ligi sura ta nies fuq din il haga!!!.....min jahdem n nar, irrid ikum kwalifikat, u mhux just ikun taghllem s sena, min ghand n nannu, jew missieru...haga serja bhal din, ma jistax ikun tibqa hekk easy!!

Y Xuereb

Apr 15th 2010, 20:14

Dear Mr Micallef,

Granted, they were here before I was. However does that mean that, as you said, in such a densely populated country, they reserve the right to endanger other people's property and well being? Should I go live in a flat in the middle of a city because a firework factory is preventing me fromliving elsewhere?
As I said before, I am not saying that they should stop, even though I am not such a fireworks fan, but I don't want to be difficult. I must say that I don't agree with you however when you say that accidents cannot be prevented. Most of them can, with the correct precautions. Most pyrotechnics have no chemical knowledge whatsoever, and I don't think that's fair. At least if they're gonna work on something so dangerous in the vicinity of others, I would like to know that they're doing it properly. I don't think I'm asking for much!

Roderick Micallef

Apr 15th 2010, 19:37

Dear Mr.Xuereb,
I am sure that the fireworks factory have been there long before you and your neighbours built your property close by. These people risk their lifes because they want to and because their passion doesn't let them stay without doing what they love doing irrispective whether it is dangerous or not.
Fireworks factories are always situated in remote areas simply because the danger is always there, however, if people decide to build their private residences in the vicinity then they should be ready for similar incidents like this one.
Chemistry lessons or not, accidents happen and full stop. I am sure that the people manufacturing fireworks take all the necessary precautions for accidents to be avoided but some times this is inevitable.
I think it is VERY sellfish that just because of a few residents that decided to build their houses next to fireworks factories then this passion is put into negative light. Malta is already small and densly populated.
You said that 'My hobby doesn't harm anyone, why should theirs?' and who said that this hobby harms any one except those that know the risks perfectly well? With the same mentality you can stop using your car!

Alfred Agius

Apr 15th 2010, 19:22

The xxx Concise Dictionary defines Egoists all those who practise hobbies & pastimes that have to be endured by those who do not share these types of hobbies & cannot afford to run away from the vicinity where these are put into practice.
So probably this applies to those who amuse themselves when detonating fireworks and others who indulge themselves to watch not ommitting the bird hunting hobby. Both these pastimes ought to be obliterated as there is no room for wastage of scarce resources & pollution in today' s world.
Those concerned should find other hobbies like offering voluntary assistance where required and where there is ample room to utilise their brawn and excess energy. In turn they would gain more respect from fellowmen as well as from above.
Pity that such advice may fall on deaf ears (pun) because the majority most probably have already unfortunately endangered their hearing capability when practising their deafing pastimes. So scrap it & pls move along with the TIMES. :-) :-) to gain more credibility.

D.FARRUGIA

Apr 15th 2010, 19:14

The explosion was heard even from zurrieq,

D Camilleri

Apr 15th 2010, 18:47

If people want to risk their lives because of their hobby...so be it...as long as they don't harm or bother other people. But it is quite disrespectful, to say the least, for others - like me- to have to put up with it. It is absoutely nerve wrecking....but then again, like everything and anything else....who cares? fireworks, loud music, loud parties smack bang in residential areas....that is all part of our culture....never mind anything else!

Trevor Zahra

Apr 15th 2010, 18:39

I was in the vicinity at the time of the explosion and it was a very strong blast. Residents of SanGwann probably did not hear anything as the wind was blowing away from San Gwann.
Luckily nobody was injured which is very positive, I suspect one of the very few cases of a fireworks factory explosion where the enthusiasts managed to get away unscathed. I do however have a direct question to ask. Since the persons that caused the accident are alive and well (Probably inshock) are the police going to press charges of negligence, disturbing the peace and destruction of private/public/governemnt property? Will they be request to present copies of certificates of their qualifications or license these individuals have allowing them to deal in the manufacturing of pyrotechnics and chemicals? Will charges be brought against these people if not? I will continue to hope but I have my doubts

J Oatmon

Apr 15th 2010, 18:22

The sad thing is these firework factories will continue to explode for decades to come, killing and maiming every year.
No government in Malta takes health safety and the environment seriously, its just 'do the minimum at lowest cost and least trouble' only tinkering with major problems, instead of 'grasping the nettle' and changing they way things are done, once and for all.

Y Xuereb

Apr 15th 2010, 18:13

My hobby doesn't harm anyone, why should theirs?
If they want to risk their lives fine, perfectly fine with me. But please, for God's sake, don't endanger other people's, or their property. This is the second one I've experienced, and they scared the hell out of me, not to mention possible damage to my house and others close by.

It's ridiculous. I appreciate the hard work and dedication and all, but for the love of God, take PRECAUTIONS. Take CHEMISTRY lessons. And don't tell me this is already being done, otherwise it wouldnt be the 2nd explosion in 2 months. Wat a load of crap.

Joseph Micallef

Apr 15th 2010, 17:55

Strangely nobody heard anything from San Gwann it seems - so close to Gharghur - while the explosion was heard from Zejtun which is on the other side of the island!!!

Mauro Xuereb

Apr 15th 2010, 17:34

Jin wihed li nhobb hafna n-nar (ghalkemm qatt ma mort jew ser immur nahdmu). Ma naqbilx ma min ha joqod igib hafna skuzi biex jinqata n-nar. In-nar huwa passatemp ihor ghal hafna maltin u ghawdxin li ghalkemm jafu bil-periklu jgib mieghu, xorta jmorru jqattaw sieghat shah fil-kmamar tan-nar jippreparaw n-nar al-festa tar-rahal.
Dwar il-kwstjoni ghaliex idejqu n-nies, il-festa ma tkunx kuljum u ghalek dahlu ligijit godda bix jikkontrollaw il-hsejjes u l-hinijit. Jekk nigu f'dan, meta kien jiftah l-istagun tal-kacca kont titqazzez fil-5.am tkun qisek qed tisma musketterija shiha, kulhad jispara!!!

R Camilleri

Apr 15th 2010, 17:29

@ Chris Greach
With all due respect but doctors spend 5 years at university and another 2 years training in hospital. I personally know of very few pyrotechnics that are actually qualified as chemists.

Most local pyrotechnics do so as a hobby and usually do not even have a basic understanding of the chemistry involved. So please, think twice before you compare a hobbyist with a professional.

Roberto Cassar

Apr 15th 2010, 17:28

L-ispluzjoni ma kenitx xi wahda qawwija bhal ta meta taret tal-Birkirkara. Grazi l'Alla talli hadd ma wegga.......u tal-Protezzjoni civili hadu wisq hin biex waslu fuq il post.

Marija Attard

Apr 15th 2010, 17:23

Everyone has a right for a hobby...even if, unfortunately for them they are risking their lives. Still it is their choice.

What bothers me is that these factories are too close to areas frequented by normal people. I often go for a walk with my 4 month old son in that area. I was walking by these factories in Madliena just yesterday. Am glad I did not go for a walk early today!! I would have be terrified to death by the explosion!! The explosion was massive enough while at home in Gharghur...let alone so close!!!

Leonard Zammit

Apr 15th 2010, 17:09

Like E. Zammit and Charles Busuttil, I too was at Marsaxlokk at that time and immediately realised that it could have been a fireworks factory explosion. Thank God there were no victims.

charles bugeja

Apr 15th 2010, 17:05

@ johan martin : x'assurdita' ta' nies ....... tinqdew b'kollox. Nitolbu ghal dawk li setghu garrbu ..... inhobb il loghod tan-nar....imma hemm bzonn li naghmlu izjed milli ghamilna u mhux inqabblu ma muturi karozzi ajruplani u ma nafx x'issemma'. Nghid grazzi talli l-lampjuni ser ikunu neqsin. Iva inhobb il-loghob tan-nar li hu parti minnha. Basta izjed sigurta 'l boghod mill-abitat u kontroll fuq il-kimika li tintuzha.

Dolores Borg

Apr 15th 2010, 17:04

Niringrazjaw il mulej u lil kbir san bartilmew appostlu illum helisna min tragedja kbiraaaa

Claire Williams

Apr 15th 2010, 16:53

Consumer fireworks are banned by federal law in five US states, they are also limited to sparklers/and or novelty items only in a further six states. So if you want to know where in the world fireworks are illegal Justin Gerald Saliba, try the USA.

Joseph Bajada

Apr 15th 2010, 16:50

well done Mario........il veru tal misthija dawk n nies li jippruvaw jinqdew b dawn l accidents biex jaghmlu l hsara......nirringrazzjaw l mulej li ma wegga hadd u lil shabna ta san bartilmew nejdilhom kuragg f dan l mument..

m mifsud

Apr 15th 2010, 16:48

yes, we are happy that the men inside managed to get away - so yes be thankful for 'small' mercies.

for those comparing fireworks to motorbikes : you have an option whether to get on to a motorbike, justr like you have an option wehther to go into a firework factory.

HOWEVER THOSE WHO ARE IN THE VICINITY OF THE FACTORY AND FAMILY MEMBERS OF THE POSSIBLE VICTIMS HAVE NO CHOICE - it is inflicited on them.

so with the same token, shou,d be defend the use of cannabis becuase our forefathers used it? it is fine to have traditions but if these traditions are killing people, then yes it should be banned once and for all.

it is in the hands of all parish priests whether fire works are continued to be manufactured or it. if the parish or curia bans the use of fireworks during feasts, then there nwill be no sale for them.

talk about money going up in FLAMES

Charles Busuttil

Apr 15th 2010, 16:36

I heard it loud and clear from Marsaxlokk.

Mario Zammit

Apr 15th 2010, 16:34

Thank Good no one was injured, this is the best thing. I feel very sorry for our friends at St. Batholomeo of Gharghur as they are a great group which always work hard all year round for their Club and their Feast.

Shame on all those trying to manipulate this story and arguing against Fireworks. Shame on you. Instead of thank God as no1 was injured, you trying to be opportunistic.
In this county you fell in the group of people with the motto "I want to ban, everything I dont like".

Defent Maltese Culture.

J.Tonna

Apr 15th 2010, 16:32

Dawn l-affarijiet qed jigru spiss wisq issa. Hemm bzonn li l-awtoritajiet u d-dilettanti kollha jiltaqghu flimkien biex jistudjaw ghaliex qed jigru, qabel nitilfu aktar nies.

F'dawn l-affarijiet mhux kemm taf, imma xi jkollok f'idejk, bhal kwalita tal-materjal li qed tuza ecc. Tghid qed irabbu kunfidenza wisq?

Mario Farrugia

Apr 15th 2010, 16:27

Being a resident of Gharghur, I was on the other side of the valley within 2 minutes of the explosion. The explosion was preceded by 3 smaller blasts (much like normal festa petards). I am not a fireworks fanatic but I do not believe it should be banned. Everyone is entitled to his passion (namra) in life, and this is a "namra" like many others. Sadly enough, it gives no space for errors or misjudgements. I know a lot fireworks enthusiasts personally and their dedication is something which often defies logic. They know the dangers involved, and yet they take their work very seriously and sacrifice countless hours, days, weeks and months of their personal time to pursue their passion. I would not do it myself, but I respect their opinion and feelings.
What amazed me most today, apart from the terrific blast from the explosion, is how there is NO ACCESS for an ambulance or a fire engine to reach the area in question!! From what I have just learnt, there have been official requests made to the relative authorities over the past years for an access road to be constructed... to no avail.

Deo Catania

Apr 15th 2010, 16:27

@A.Xuereb issa meta tghola int jew xi hadd jigi minnek naraw tibqax tahsibha l-istess.

Edward Fenech

Apr 15th 2010, 16:25

Be it a death from a firework factory or one on the roads it is all due to a total lack of the ability of the authorities to impose the law that they are obliged to upkeep by its proper administration. We live in a society on the verge of anarchy that will continue to ignore the law knowing full well that most of the time they can get away with their actions. The time has come for a no tolerance police to be put in place before another life is lost.

K. Duca

Apr 15th 2010, 16:24

When is it going to end??????

Justin Gerald Saliba

Apr 15th 2010, 16:24

Oh Can you all stop it on closing down the fireworks factory !! yes its a dangerous tipe of hobby, like as skydiving, Bundi Jumping, Formula 1,motorbike race, ecc wich are dangerous hobbyes,
what you wont to do ? stop f1 ? stop skydiving ? stop Bundi Jumping ?

or all of you who wont the Fireworks factorys to close are those who wont the village festa to Stop ?

if you all go on youtube you can see how worse the explosions are.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEq3H-_3BLg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-2ZB1CbNJ4

Chris Grech

Apr 15th 2010, 16:24

@ P Borg
they do not Play with fire works...
they manufacture fireworks.

bi kliemek it tobba jilabu mal hajja tal bniedem... allura NAMLUHOM ILLEGALI?
iddahaqx.
meta jigri hekk ifakkruna fi shabna li mietu bin nar. atihom o mulej il mistfieh ta dejjem.
avolja ghadda iz zmien, ma ninsewk qatt mario (MOSTA)

N.Gauci

Apr 15th 2010, 16:22

To Maria Rita Pace: No they shouldn't ban the fireworks because you know nothing about fireworks. All those people who have no idea what goes behind the scenes in the firework factories should stop commenting about banning fireworks. i think noone would like that his hobby would be banned from malta as he likes to do his hobby so that goes the same for those who like fireworks. some of these workers live for that one moment when they see their fireworks light up the skies... remember that maltese fireworks is the BEST fireworks IN THE WORLD so don't spoil it down the drain..... if they ban fireworks from malta the ecenomy will die. the only thing that needs to be done is get in the workers' heads that they should be careful when working in these factories.

A Galea

Apr 15th 2010, 16:22

@ Bernard Mamo & Antoine Spiteri
L-argument taghkom ma jzommx. Il-muturi, karozzi u ajruplani jintuzaw GHALL-BZONN biex il-bniedem jiccaqlaq minn post ghall-iehor (e.g. biex imur ghax-xoghol) imma in-nar jinhadem ghal pjacir u bhala hobby. Ir-riskju involut ghal haddiema u n-nies ta' madwar huwa BLA BZONN. Nghaddu minghajru. Qawl Malti: Min jilghab bin-nar jinharaq.

johan Martin

Apr 15th 2010, 16:21

Viva l-Festi, il-Qaddisin u l-knisja NISRANIJA.

E.Camilleri

Apr 15th 2010, 16:21

I can't belive how people take advantage of such situations to brag and say such stupid comments about fireworks when none of them really know what happens in a firework factory! Be thankful no one was hurt!

F. Attard

Apr 15th 2010, 16:20

Thank god no one got hurt. I don't believe in closing down firework factories since i think its one of the nicest hobbies you can have with the negative part being that it is very risky and sometimes lethal. The people that do this hobby have to be more trained and be more careful. Already this year they tighter laws have been made this year so I don't think they should make them more or we will end up losing one of our tourist attractions. :/

Joseph Demanuele

Apr 15th 2010, 16:19

Mr P. Borg--shall we ban cars as well and planes and maybe diving or swimming. Drugs are illegal because of the social problems it inflicts upon users and those around not because you have fun

Solveig Fagerbakke

Apr 15th 2010, 16:19

Heard a loud explosion from my flat in Msida,but that was somewhere between 2-2.30pm,not at 3.15pm,and wondered what it was. These two men were very lucky to escape unharmed in what could have been a fatal ending for them.

Kirsty Vidal

Apr 15th 2010, 16:17

I am at work at Birkirkara when suddenly heard a strong blast and the door shook itself. Luckily enough no one is hurt this time.

Joe Fenech

Apr 15th 2010, 16:16

One needs a degree in chemistry to handle such chemicals. I remember abroad talking to chemistry professors who used to express how hard it is to buy chemicals for research purposes and how many permits are needed. Here in Malta ANYONE can handle any dangerous chemical without problem including, in some case, children!

George McNamara

Apr 15th 2010, 16:14

Could not hear the explosion from Marsa...

A.Xuereb

Apr 15th 2010, 16:13

komplu mlew hawn taht ghal xejn...ghadkom ma ndunajtux li bil paroli taghkom ma taslu mkun??!! mhux taqta...imma tirranga!! jekk hemm xi haga li trid titranga, ghandha titranga kullimkien f kulll post!! billi taqta m int ha ssolvi xejn!!! illegali mhux ha jghamluh zgur...ghax in nar business kbir ghal gvern, kemm bhala turisti fis sajf, u kemm bhala materjal li jinxtara ghal manifattura!! ghalxejn toqghodu tinghu jigifieri!! m intom ha taslu imkien!!

Joe Fenech

Apr 15th 2010, 16:12

History repeats, repeats, repeats [....] itself !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Il-Gahan Malti talqlghalu ghajnu u jidhaq!

brian chetcuti

Apr 15th 2010, 16:10

Maria Rita Pace ... int fejn taf x gara hemm gew :S ahjar tejd talbaaa li ma wegga hadt

edward pullicino

Apr 15th 2010, 16:08

it was a very big explosion :|

Elaine Falzon

Apr 15th 2010, 16:08

Heard it too from Santa Margerita Mosta. Big blast then heard also fire engines

brian Smith

Apr 15th 2010, 16:08

Seems like every year a factory of this sort blows up what does it take for someone to start monitoring what chemicals are going into these factories. What does it take another Naxxar or worst for people to start looking into it. I am not saying to ban them just make sure they are regulated better. Thank god no body was hurt

P Borg

Apr 15th 2010, 16:08

Individuals want to have fun. They take drugs. They die. Drugs are therefore illegal.

Individuals want to have fun. They play with fireworks. They die. Playing with fireworks is legal.

Statistically more people are dying from fireworks than from drugs. When shall we stop this?

Alfred Grech

Apr 15th 2010, 16:06

What a stubborn government, what a stubborn opposition. It seems that they both do not have any of their families involved in such a crazy and dangerous work / hobby or maybe they are scared that they lose votes! STOP these amateurs once and for all please.

G Fsadni

Apr 15th 2010, 16:06

Is this the latest result of the excellent professional fireworks manufacturers that we so much boast to have on our islands?

M.Debono

Apr 15th 2010, 16:05

I live close by in Gharghur.No need to say it was realy felt. Hope nobody was there. But they should put a stop to this once and for all. Poor women waiting for their husbands and chilren to come home.

kevin grech

Apr 15th 2010, 16:04

Jalla ma kien hemm hadd iktar fil-kamra tan-nar.

Antoine Spietri

Apr 15th 2010, 16:04

Dear Maria Rita Pace... ma tistax tpoggi kulhad f keffa wahda... mela jekk issuq.. bieh il karozza, u oqod id dar.. u bilhaqq attenta ma jmurx jaqa xi ajruplan fuq id dar...

Hallina trid...

Michael Camilleri

Apr 15th 2010, 16:03

This is getting ridiculous. It's a death wish to walk into a fireworks factory. What is the government waiting to close these places down until decent security measures are put in place and ensuring only qualified professionals get to work in there? And before anyone complains that they are indeed qualified professionals - we wouldn't be having this every couple of months if they were, would we?

C. Brincau

Apr 15th 2010, 16:00

Apparently my cousin's death and others before him wasn't enough as a message... hope no one was injured...

Mariella Galea

Apr 15th 2010, 16:00

Thank god NO one was injured the people inside had time to evacuate and only the Factory blew up. Not the Storage.

arthur abela

Apr 15th 2010, 15:58

what are we waiting for to make this illegal ? Some poor innocent family who live nearby to be killed by falling debris ????

other countries have long since recognised the obvious danger and have centralised their factories in industrial style compounds in the middle of nowhere under very stringent government supervision . But not in Malta ! .. ...because competing factories will be able to see each others secrets ! As though these are more important than the countless lives lost ! SHAME ON THEM AND SHAME ON US FOR LETTING THEM GET AWAY WITH IT FOR SO LONG !

S.farrugia

Apr 15th 2010, 15:58

It was felt in Zabbar quite strongly as well. felt the room and the doors shaking. hope no one was there at the time. to tell you all the truth i thought it was a fireworks trial somewhere near Cottonera, as part of the celebration for the Papal visit.

Denis Degabriele

Apr 15th 2010, 15:56

i felt the blast from iklin, it was the yard door that shaken with it.

m farrugia

Apr 15th 2010, 15:55

get rid of fireworks before hunting

Maria Rita Pace

Apr 15th 2010, 15:54

those two men were lucky to escape.... jghodduha b' wahda! I think it's about time to CLOSE all FIREWORKS FACTORIES!!!!!

CBriffa

Apr 15th 2010, 15:54

This is the Result of all the franetic competions that are being organised by the government. Everyone is exceeding his limit in these competitions. STOP THESE FIREWORKS COMPETITIONS!!!!

A. Borg

Apr 15th 2010, 15:53

I felt it too from Sta.Lucia.

J.Borg

Apr 15th 2010, 15:53

Is this enough to ban fireworks now so we can have a noise free summer without all the explosions of such an annoying hobby. Seems like every year at least 3 - 4 of these factories blow up and also kill people can we not learn from these mistakes and just shut them down ?

E. Zammit

Apr 15th 2010, 15:53

Jien minn M ' xlokk u hawn inhasset hafna, qisu gara xi haga fi triq tieghi daqskemm kien qawwi l hoss. J' Alla ma wegga hadt gravi !!!!

C Gatt

Apr 15th 2010, 15:52

Will someone please test the chemicals. These explosions always seem to happen in clusters. And i can't believe that accidents happen n clusters. It is more likely to be contaminated or mislabelled chemicals (unless some have been bought under the counter!)

joyce aquilina

Apr 15th 2010, 15:52

heard it from Cospicua

david vella

Apr 15th 2010, 15:51

Luckily this time they got away with it, but for how long!! To my mind they should close for good to avoid any further tragedies! Don't these guys just realize that they have families back home?

Charlene Agius

Apr 15th 2010, 15:50

Heard the explosion very well from Naxxar!!!! fire engines and police sirens are still being heard!

Maria Fleri Soler

Apr 15th 2010, 15:47

I live not too far from the factory and it was really scary, all windows and doors at home rattling with the explosion! and I've just passed by with my car from it a few minutes before! still shocked!

sephora facciol

Apr 15th 2010, 15:47

it was really massive cuase we also felt it from m'scala, hope that no one died

Y Sant

Apr 15th 2010, 15:46

anyone knows which one it is??
I'm in Madliena. thought the house was gonna blow up to...scared the hell out of me

Stiefnu De Battista

Apr 15th 2010, 15:45

I was working when I Felt a strong blast from Iklin. Hope no one is Injured or at least, if they're injured, hope they'll escape the dead.

Carmel Garcia

Apr 15th 2010, 15:45

Close all fireworks factories. What are we waiting for. Saints do not need fireworks, they just need our prayers and a good faith the the Lord Jesus Christ. So who is going to take action and do something about these tragedies?

S Bonnici

Apr 15th 2010, 15:44

Blast extremely powerful heard and felt in Marsaskala. Doors shaken... felt like a big void!

May God be with those who were in the factory and with their families.

D.Caruana

Apr 15th 2010, 15:44

Smajtna spluzjoni min birzebbuga ukoll!!! i hope there is nobody injured!!!

Francis attard

Apr 15th 2010, 15:43

I was taking a short nap. It was heard also from here. Hope that there are no casualties or something else.

sarah cutajar

Apr 15th 2010, 15:43

I heard it from Gudja, Lets say a small prayer maybe no one was injured or worst...

Oswald Spiteri

Apr 15th 2010, 15:41

Yes the explosion was MASSIVE. It jolted the cats inside our house at Ibrag. The view from our house in the direction of Ghargur, was a great plume of white smoke with other smoke bellowing after the main explosion. A cold chill run through my body !!! and a great sorry feeling if there has been another loss of life.

Maurizio Abela

Apr 15th 2010, 15:41

A massive blast from Targa Gap... Hopefully no own was injured!!!

Alison Garbett

Apr 15th 2010, 15:41

Even felt in Madliena

Domenic Vella

Apr 15th 2010, 15:40

I was startled from my desk when at work in Luqa....I heard a MASSIVE explosion and saw a huge plume of smoke. I can't concentrate back on finishing off my work now!

Mark Anthony Deguara

Apr 15th 2010, 15:40

Unbelievable noise. Was in the shaft and I thought the aluminium door and the aluminium windows were going to fall. Hope no one is dead.

n mifsud

Apr 15th 2010, 15:39

mil Mosta smajnija qawwi hafna wkoll!!

David Chircop

Apr 15th 2010, 15:39

Nitolbu li ma gara xejn hazin lil hadt !
Jien min Naxxar u inhasset hafna !

Neil Camilleri

Apr 15th 2010, 15:38

Is it finally time for some drastic action? How many more need to blow up before something is done about it?

Lorraine Stivala

Apr 15th 2010, 15:38

Explosion was heard from Victoria Gardens, these fireworks factories should all close down, they're just waste of lives and money.
Any casualties?

Antonia Borg Bonaci

Apr 15th 2010, 15:37

This is terrible, two years ago it was in our street. There have been about three subsequent explosions so far and we can even hear little explosions even right now. God help them all!!

Dennis Agius

Apr 15th 2010, 15:37

hope no one is injured, heard it from Ghaxaq too.

Roberta Rizzo

Apr 15th 2010, 15:37

The explosion was Huge! and too loud and random to be normal fireworks. The desk was shaken with the explosion! Hope everyone is ok , and no one is hurt!

MARK MIFSUD BONNICI

Apr 15th 2010, 15:36

JUST FELT THE EXPLOSION. hope it left no victims within the factory or the neighbourhood.

Joe Fenech

Apr 15th 2010, 15:35

The powerful blast was heard here at Marsascala!

alison galea

Apr 15th 2010, 15:35

This is another example of why the fireworks factories should become illegal and close down!!!!

R Axisa

Apr 15th 2010, 15:35

Il--ahwa, jien miz-Zejtun kont qeghda hdejn il-bieb tal-bitha u hassejtu jirbombja - hasadni u qalbi hebritni li gara xi haga! J'alla m'hemmx vittmi!

R Marquette

Apr 15th 2010, 15:33

Heard a very very big blast from Mosta. May no one was injured.