The government has appointed Board of Inquiry to investigate the quality of materials used in the production of fireworks.

The board was set up in the wake of yesterday's explosion at a fireworks factory in Gharb and the explosion at a fireworks factory near Mosta last month.

Both explosions involved fireworks which had already been manufactured, whereas fireworks explosions in the past normally took place during the mixing of chemicals used for the fireworks.

The Board of Inquiry is headed by University Professor Alfred Vella, an expert on chemicals, assisted by Prof Victor Asciak, Joe Theuma and Servolo Delicata, the latter being the head of the governemnt inspectorate on pyrotechnics.

In his letter of appointment to Prof Vella, Home Affairs Minister Carm Mifsud Bonnici said the board was being asked to collect and examine samples of the materials used in fireworks, testing them in Malta and abroad as necessary.

The board would also examine documents on the materials used in fireworks and examine practices and procedures related to the mixing of chemicals used in fireworks.

The board was asked to submit its recommendations in the shortest possible time.

The Labour Party in a statement over the signature of shadow minister Michael Falzon said it agreed with the decision to set up the board of inquiry.

Meanwhile, informed sources said that up to five truckloads of firework - worth some €50,000 -blew up yesterday in at least three explosions. The cause of the explosions is being investigated, with one of the areas of investigation being the possibility that one of the manufactured fireworks may have been been opened, causing it to explode and start a series of explosions.

The fireworks had been manufactured in fireworks factories of Lija, Ghaxaq, Qormi, Kirkop and Qrendi.

Investigators are also looking into whether other fireworks were being manufactured close to the finished fireworks and whether humidity levels may have contributed to what took place.