Gharb fireworks blast - first funeral held

Tears flowed as prayers and poetry were recited during the funeral of Jean Pierre Azzopardi, one of the six victims of the explosion at the Farrugia Brothers fireworks factory this afternoon.

People lined the streets of Xewkija and several hundred walked behind the coffin of the 27-year-old festa enthusiast as it was carried to the Church, accompanied by the Perkursur Band.

Among those present for the funeral Mass are members of the Farrugia family which lost five of its members in the explosion.

The funeral of fireworks factory owner Nenu, his sons Ray and Noel, his daughter-in-law Antoinette and son-in-law Peter Paul Micallef will be held tomorrow in their home town Fontana.

Ray's widow Tiberia and son, as well as one of Nenu's daughter, Marcelline, attended this afternoon's funeral and hugged Jean Pierre's parents in one of the most moving moments of the funeral.

The congregation applauded and many burst into tears as poems composed by the village associations with which Jean Pierre was associated with were read out. They including the drama group, the festa committee, the band and the fireworks group.

The funeral Mass was led by Jean Pierre's uncle Fr Francis Azzopardi, assisted by the parish priests of Xewkija and of Xaghra, among others.

A message of condolence from Bishop Mario Grech was read during the Mass. Mgr Grech is currently in Jerusalem.

Leading the congregation were President George Abela, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and PL deputy leader Anglu Farrugia, representing party leader Joseph Muscat. A PL spokesman said that Joseph Muscat was advised not to attend two consecutive public events due to his present medical condition. He plans to attend tomorrow’s funeral.

Members of the Red Cross (Gozo Branch) formed a guard of honour as the coffin was carried into the church. Jean Pierre's sister is a member of the Red Cross and was on one of the ambulances which rushed to Gharb when the fireworks factory blew up last Sunday week.