The powerful series of explosions which rocked the Farrugia Brothers fireworks factory yesterday afternoon flattened the building, blasting large boulders a distance of several metres in this otherwise peaceful and scenic valley near Gharb.

The above footage was taken this morning by Paul Spiteri Lucas as rescuers found the body of the fourth victim of the explosion - factory owner Nenu Farrugia. Another three victims were found in the debris yesterday while another two men are being treated for severe burns at Mater Dei Hospital. Their condition is still critical.

The explosion took place as the fireworks were being prepared for the feast of Our Lady of Victories in Xaghra.

The circumstances of the blast were similar to that at the 15th August fireworks factory in Mosta last month in that the fireworks had already been manufactured. It had hitherto been thought that fireworks were safest when they were ready, and most explosions occurred during the mixing stage.