Fireworks salute in Mosta to Friday’s explosion victim

There were no external celebrations in Mosta yesterday as the feast of the Assumption was held in various localities and the only fireworks to be let off were dedicated to Mario Dimech, who died in Friday’s explosion.

“These fireworks will be a monument to Mario who dedicated so many years of his life to fireworks. These are for his memory,” Mario Farrugia, president of 15th August Pyrotechnics Society, said.

Mr Dimech, who was secretary of the society, died in a huge blast that rocked various localities and was heard all over Malta. The best part of the fireworks meant for the weekend’s feast exploded in the blast that occurred at 3 p.m. practically flattening the factory in Dwejra, on the outskirts of Mosta.

“He was a friend and a colleague. His absence leaves a huge hole,” an upset Mr Farrugia said, reflecting the mood of the community.

There was no festive feeling yesterday afternoon as the main square was stripped of all decorations, including the festoons and banners and flags flew at half mast. The only sign of the outdoor feast celebrations cancelled following the tragedy was the decorative bandstand on the main square opposite the church.

The organisers also decided to scrap the traditional procession, the highlight of the feast, when the statue of Our Lady is usually accompanied by the bands of the two clubs around Mosta. Instead, a pilgrimage, during which the Holy Rosary was recited, was held at 6.45 p.m. as the statue was taken out of the church.

Thousands of fireworks stored in the factory detonated in three, quick, successive explosions causing a huge white plume of smoke that could be seen as far away as Gozo. The explosion was heard across both islands and Mosta residents stopped in their tracks when they heard it. One man described how residents ran to the main square as soon as they heard the blast, some holding their heads in their hands.

There was uncertainty at first with regard to the number of casualties but it was then established that Mr Dimech, 41, of Mosta, was the sole victim. He was buried under the rubble and was found at about 8 a.m. on Saturday.

Mr Dimech, together with other members of the society, had been working for the past year on the fireworks, which should have been let off over the weekend to celebrate the feast of the Assumption of Our Lady.

The fireworks that exploded were stored outside the factory and were about to be taken to the firing area in a field on the outskirts of Mosta.

The cause of the explosion is still unknown.

Following the news of Mr Dimech’s death, the archpriest, the feast commission, the police and representatives of the band clubs agreed to cancel the external festivities. However, they decided it was too dangerous to remove the fireworks that had already been transported to the field and it was these that were let off last night and dedicated to Mr Dimech’s memory who was described by several Mosta residents as a “good man” with a sense of humour.

Żaren Vassallo, president of Nicolò Isouard Band Club, described him as a perfectionist. “He was very precise in all he did. He was an exemplary man.”

The residents were shocked at the tragedy, especially because the 15 th August fireworks factory was renowned for being one of the safest. “I still can’t understand what happened and we will never know. We will miss him,” one man said.

Mr Dimech’s funeral will be held tomorrow.