Police confirm Transport Malta bomb was lowered from Pinetum
Updated - More video footage
The police confirmed this afternoon that an explosion at Transport Malta offices in Sa Maison Hill this morning was caused by a bomb which was lowered from the wooded area - known as the Pinetum - behind the building.
The blast seriously injured veteran traffic expert Major (rtd) Peter Ripard - who suffered severe leg injuries. His injuries are not life threatening. Another ADT official, Konrad Pule' was also slightly injured.
The police said another man and woman were treated in hospital.
The explosion took place at 10 am. The injured were in a second floor office at the time and are thought to have been injured by shattering glass.
Informed sources said the police and army explosives experts are investigating the possibility that the bomb may have had a timer attached to it.
Forensics experts are scouring the Pinetum for clues and CCTV footage from near-by establishments has been seized.
However it appears that the cameras attached to the TM building itself may have been turned inward.
No major structural damage was evident from outside the building.
Civil Protection Department rescuers, ambulance crews and the police arrived on the scene within minutes of the blast. One of the ambulances rushed back to Mater Dei Hospital under police escort.
Transport Malta staff were evacuated and the building was searched by officers of the Explosives Ordinance Disposal Unit. Some workers were treated for shock and assisted with breathing apparatus outside the office. Officials made a roll call of employees.
Other Transport Malta offices were also searched. The workers were sent home for the day.
A spokesman for the Transport Ministry when asked if any threats had been made, said that in an authority such as TM, threats were never in short supply but there were no specific threat of an attack of this nature.
The spokesman said the Prime Minister and Transport Minister Austin Gatt (who is abroad) were being updated.
The GWU and the UHM in a statement condemned the incident.
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Ramon Casha
Dec 3rd 2010, 09:08
"However it appears that the cameras attached to the TM building itself may have been turned inward."
The meaning of this sentence is unclear. Does it imply that the perpetrators turned the cameras, or that the cameras are normally pointing inwards?
In the former case, it indicates that the perpetrators had very good inside knowledge about the layout of the place and the cameras' positions.
Paul Busuttil
Dec 3rd 2010, 00:01
This is an act of terrorism and those caught should be treated as such!!
R.Camilleri
Dec 2nd 2010, 18:43
Get well wishes to Mr.Conrad Pule and Peter Ripard. It was a horrific act by someone who has no moral values. People like these must be heavily penalized.
Julian Caruana
Dec 2nd 2010, 18:27
THE MAFIA IS HERE. THESE ARE ALLMAFIA STYLE EXECUTIONS
Chris Farrugia
Dec 3rd 2010, 09:38
you've watched "Godfather" one too many
T Mifsud
Dec 2nd 2010, 18:22
This is a tragedy! When there is some kind of reform or an imminent big change, the thugs come out with violence. I hope these thugs are caught and sent to jail for a long time! We cannot have a country halt its progress by a bunch of Neanderthals who will refuse any change.
Chris Reiff
Dec 2nd 2010, 18:11
Death Penalty
monica muscat
Dec 2nd 2010, 18:08
Terrible happenings indeed. Bombs, vandalic acts, threats etc. - to me they are all terroristic acts! From whatever party they come from. By party, of course, I mean section of the community. But living in a Christian country, I would expect a Christmas spirit prevailing at this festive time. Let us hope that their will be no escalation of these horrid acts. Again, I quote the reason give to me last week, over the phone, by the 95 year old Archbishop Mons. Loris Capovilla, ex-secretary to Blessed Pope John XXIII. I think he would not mind me sharing it openly with you: "Tutti i problemi che siamo vivendo e' perche NON SIAMO ANCORA CHRISTIANI. Lo dobbiamo diventarlo!" - Best wishes of speedy recovery to the injuried, wisdom to the authorities investigating the case... and a speeder Conversion towards God to those who still think that bombs and bombings will solve all their earthly problems.
Marco Grima
Dec 2nd 2010, 22:58
You seem to have a great knack for using a horrible incident to further your unrelated agenda. Unfortunately you forget how many people have suffered and been killed (and still are) in the name of Christianity and other religions.
john vella
Dec 3rd 2010, 09:40
@monica muscat. Your write up is interesting especially when quoting someone in Rome. The issue is not how to be a good follower of Jesus. The question is WHY DID THIS CRIME TAKE PLACE? As they say there is a place and a place, and bringing Christianity at this time will not help a penny to solve the crime.
Wish a speedy recovery to those concerned and I hope this crime will be explained and solved. We have had crimes as of lately that have not been solved and this is terrible.
Dr Joe Mifsud
Dec 2nd 2010, 17:24
Nikkundanna dan l-att u nuri solidarjeta' mal-midruba u dawk kollha li jahdmu ma' Transport Malta.
m cauchi
Dec 2nd 2010, 17:18
this is something scary ..its a sad day for the whole nation ...although we never experienced levels of terrorism , this is something very shocking knowing that people around are planning such barbaric acts
J.Camilleri
Dec 2nd 2010, 17:17
And for what reason were the cameras around the building turned towards the walls?
Perhaps not to record any illegal ongoings?
M.Pule'
Dec 2nd 2010, 15:34
Get well wishes to Mr. Conrad Pule' & Mr. Ripard. May the day comes when these horrible acts stop being done. Such violence is used only by shameful people.
Jesmond Micallef
Dec 2nd 2010, 15:28
I hope that Major (rtd) Peter Ripard - who suffered severe leg injuries and Mr. Conrad Pule' fully recover from this pure act of malice and cowardice. I condemn all forms of violence. December is the month of Christmas. I hope these two people fully recover and that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are caught. Cowards, pure cowards.
Carmen J. Serracino Inglott
Dec 2nd 2010, 15:10
Are we going back to the bombing phase? Will anybody be found responsible for this tragic incident??? Very true, where was the person who monters the CCTVs when they were turned??? I suppose that the Ripard family will not have much of a Christmas this year, thanks to the perpetrator.
Jesmond Micallef
Dec 2nd 2010, 16:11
Indeed, its like history repeating itself !! There was a time in Malta when it was literally like that. We read here lately about people getting shot mafia style, pure vandalism in public garden areas, burning of books in libraries, What the hell is going here ? I also wish to extend my solidarity with these two victims. Just what the hell is going on, here....!!
Fenech MD
Dec 2nd 2010, 18:23
True. Just read about the family Grech's compensation on the newspaper and when I heard this terrible news, I said to myself that histroy repeats itself.
Daniel Vella
Dec 2nd 2010, 15:10
Thank God it was not rush-hour time in Msida junction and that the ambulance transporting Major Ripard did not need to use a road such as Tal-Balal to arrive to hospital.
Christian Sciberras
Dec 2nd 2010, 15:47
Yeah, thank God, He plans everything out so that fatalities in Malta doesn't turn to chaos, if he left it to us, we'd outsmart him by building the whole island around one huge road and spend the rest of the money rebuilding fortifications' walls.
C Agius
Dec 2nd 2010, 14:55
Speedy recovery to all those injured by the blast. We were somehow begining to forget the traumatic experience presented by those cowards who plant bombs. May the Police leave no stone unturned to catch the culprits as soon as possible. There are terrorists in our midst and unluckily for us the daeth penalty has been removed! Violence will not submit anybody. We had it in the past but the violent lost...
Antoine Zammit
Dec 2nd 2010, 14:49
I express my sincere solidarity with Mr. Pule and Mjr. Ripard, and ALL of my ex-colleagues at Transport Malta during these difficult times.... I am still very shocked about what has happened..
Bernard Manduca
Dec 2nd 2010, 14:34
Nothing can justify this morning's attack at TM. However, I would not agree with some comments such as 'what is the country coming to'?. The country is made up of nearly half a million people who had nothing to do with it. The perpetrator is an individual of despicable morals and not much capacity for analysis beyond whatever enraged him. God help his near and dear ones who have to put up with him.
I wish a speedy recovery to Conrad Pule and especially to Major Peter Ripard who's wealth of knowledge in the field of traffic management and safety he has been generous enough to continue contributing to our country when he could just as easily been enjoying a well deserved retirement.
Thank you Peter. The country owes you. Get well and get home for Christmas.
Christian Sciberras
Dec 2nd 2010, 15:03
I disagree Bernard. What that person did was, eventually, caused by the country/society.
Christian Sciberras
Dec 2nd 2010, 15:12
A little correction on my words, I meant "influenced" not "caused".
Bernard manduca
Dec 2nd 2010, 15:25
Sorry Christian. No excuses. Would you or anybody you are acquainted with - brought up and living in this country - have done the same?
Christian Sciberras
Dec 2nd 2010, 15:34
I wouldn't hide behind anonymity, I've always made my intentions clear.
As I've argued in the past, this country needs some deep reforms. This could be done the nice way, or the hard way.
Seems (Maltese) people realize about their weak infrastructure only when someone proves it.
Back to your question, I'm not sure what an answer would prove - I don't know everyone inside out, and it ain't my intention, so the short answer would be "no". But if one had to look at your question from a less personal approach, the answer becomes "yes".
You have living proof of that...
Maria Vella
Dec 2nd 2010, 14:29
Shame on whoever did such a terrible thing. How come that whenever this country tries to change something, and make it hopefully better for us all these instances have to occur. Its one thing to protest in the streets, but to get toa point when just because of a uch awaited reform we get to boms is another. I wish to those injured sympathy and solidarity. Hope the culprits will be caught and justiced.
Michael Grech
Dec 2nd 2010, 16:35
"...whenever this country tries to change something, and make it hopefully better for us all these instances have to occur. ." Are we living on the same island? The Maltese are the most docile, lackey and passive set of people in Europe. In Europe students and workers are burning cities to protect their rights; in Malta students are .....carrying the prime-minister shoulder-high!
I take the opportunity to express my solidarity to the two victims.
VV Bartolo
Dec 2nd 2010, 14:25
allura nistaqsi jien ta' stupidu li jien "min kien qed jissorvelja l-monitors ta' cctv ma ndumux li l-monitors bdew juru stampa differenti la darba cctv gew imdawrin"??
Christian Sciberras
Dec 2nd 2010, 15:05
CCTV is put there just for the sake of being there. Unfortunately, very few people are actually serious about it.
M.Pule'
Dec 2nd 2010, 15:30
@Mr. Sciberras
You obviously do not know how a CCTV camera is operated.
Christian Sciberras
Dec 5th 2010, 19:34
Mr Pule - I'm a bit lost for words. How can I put it, I've set CCTV up myself!!
You "obviously" have no idea who you're dealing with. And unlike your assertion, that is a fact.
Joseph N Attard
Dec 2nd 2010, 14:22
Alas! There is a lawless section of the population which has always thought that nobody could control them, and they can will do whatever they please, and to hell with laws and regulations. Some who are duty bound to see that these miscreants come in line, shirke their duty, either through fear, or maybe because of more serious causes. Then, when somebody does perform his duty, these dregs of society react through violence. I fervently hope that the perpetrator/s is/are caught, and that the Courts will make it abundantly clear that such behaviour is not tolerated.
G Falzon
Dec 2nd 2010, 13:32
"However the authority's own cameras around the building appeared to have been turned towards the wall."
Police, through CCTV footage or the person who monitors these, should at least identify who turned these cameras towards the wall!
Kevin O'neill
Dec 2nd 2010, 13:22
I hope that whoever perpetrated this cowardly act is brought to justice. I wish a speedy recovery to Major Ripard, a true and examplary gentleman and to his colleague.
Adrian Bonello
Dec 2nd 2010, 13:12
For now these are all unproven allegations there's nothing left for anyone of us to do than to wait for someone to release a statement about what really happened today let's just pray for the victims..
Adrian Gouder
Dec 2nd 2010, 12:57
Whatever the reason for this it is to be condemned and an explamplery punchishment given.
I just hope this is not an indication of one or more people that can think of getting what they want through violence, and honestly appeal that the Government allocates all the necassary resources finding this person or group and make them regret their actions ten times over.
Charles Micallef
Dec 2nd 2010, 12:50
Sincere solidarity with all concerned and especially Major Peter Ripard who is certainly one of those people who never caused anyone any grieve...He is known to all as the perfect gentleman and certainly did not deserve this cruel injury!
Gino Caruana
Dec 2nd 2010, 12:45
@Ernest Vella
tibdiex ideffes il-politika tkunx funny
Sandro Bugeja
Dec 2nd 2010, 12:41
Will this be classified as a bomb explosion or a terror attack?
Andrew Zammit Manduca
Dec 2nd 2010, 12:29
What's next? A drive by shooting in the middle of Valletta??? What is this country getting to?
Peter Korsten
Dec 2nd 2010, 12:43
We already had the drive-by shooting in Valletta...
Andrew Zammit Manduca
Dec 2nd 2010, 13:28
I meant a drive by shooting in somewhere in the middle of a place full of innocent citizens not a drive by shooting in some side road.
Christopher Mamo
Dec 2nd 2010, 19:01
Where there may be other innocent citizens...
Paul Calleja
Dec 2nd 2010, 11:58
Nittama li min wegga jirkupra malajr..u li min ghamel dan l-att kodard jinqabad malajr.
Imma nittama wkoll li ladarba jinqabad jew tinqabad ma jinhelisx b'xi bail bhal ma jigri s-soltu.
Pamela Hansen
Dec 2nd 2010, 11:58
How appalling. Especially, for major Ripard and his family. As someone has already commented he is a true gentleman and he deserves a medal for his unstinting work to better Malta's traffic problems and not serious injuries caused by a maliciously planted bomb .
Beppe Zammit
Dec 2nd 2010, 11:41
Wishing a speedy recovery to Konrad and his collegues.
A. Schembri
Dec 2nd 2010, 11:30
Cowardise at its best. Solidarity with the employees of TM. I cannot imagine what one tends to achieve by performing such violent acts. Hopefully the CCTV footage will identify who the ignorant and arrogant coward is.
A.J. Anastasi
Dec 2nd 2010, 11:29
.
It was at exactly 09.58 this morning that the explosion occurred as I was driving past the TM buildings down Sa Maison Hill. The blast was so strong that it jolted my car!
Let’s pray that the injured people will recover as soon as possible and the perpetrators of this despicable act are brought to justice immediately.
AJA.
Stephen Zerafa
Dec 2nd 2010, 11:20
Konrad Pule' and his staff at Transport Malta are doing their utmost to help classic and vintage vehicle enthusiasts through favourable government concessions. The Federazzjoni Maltija Vetturi Antiki condemns this cowardly attack. We hope both Konrad and Major Ripard get well soon. Our prayers are with you.
Victor Vella
Dec 2nd 2010, 11:15
Allow me to show solidarity with Major Ripard, a true gentleman if ever there was one.Get well soon.
Peter Sullivan
Dec 2nd 2010, 12:19
Well said Mr. Vella. We wish a speedy recovery to Major Ripard and of course his colleagues after such a cowardly act.
And what do the perpretrators expect to gain from such a cowardly act? Sympathy for their cause? Let us hope that they are immediately identified and brought to justice (no sympathy from the courts please)!
Pawlu Briffa
Dec 2nd 2010, 11:13
Can this bomb be linked to the recent transport reform?
Richard galea
Dec 2nd 2010, 11:45
Who ever done it must be really familiar with the location......This I think is an inside job done by someone who has been posted there for some time and not a visitor....
Kurt G Pace
Dec 2nd 2010, 11:59
It could have been linked to Sodom city for all we care. The fact remains that whoever did this deserves the gallows, nothing less. Cowards. Speedy recovery to Major Ripard and Konrad. Hope the vile scum who carried out this get caught
Denis Degabriele
Dec 2nd 2010, 11:11
a speedy re coving to these employees of T/M, hope they soon will return to their office, to continue giving their service;
one of your colleague at T/M
Maurizio Abela
Dec 2nd 2010, 11:10
I heared it from Hamrun and it was really massive...
Ernest Vella
Dec 2nd 2010, 11:03
I hoped that people have learned from the past...but seems that some people still live in the past ideologies...I hope the police will catch those persons who did this...if it was a bomb or something like? THIS IS NO MORE ACCEPTABLE
Gino Caruana
Dec 2nd 2010, 12:47
idahhalx politika isahhanx irjus
Manwel Debattista
Dec 2nd 2010, 12:52
"THIS IS NO MORE ACCEPTABLE" according to Ernest Vella.
Why? Was it acceptable before?
M. Fenech
Dec 2nd 2010, 14:15
It depends to whom you are referring!!! If you really know who was behind these cowards act in the past, and who had this type of IDEOLOGY, I urge you to speak up with the Police immediately! If not, please stop from trying to hint something, or in other ways, just shut up!
Joe Vella
Dec 2nd 2010, 14:17
@ Manwel Debatista.
It was never acceptable to a large section of the Maltese Populace; and at the same time this kind of think was Institionalised by the Governing Party of the day because no action was ever taken agianst the gulprits. You should addres the question to yourself and not to Ernest Vella
Manwel Debattista
Dec 2nd 2010, 15:35
Mr. Joe Vella,
I see your line of thought. So if a crime is committed and goes unsolved it is “Institutionalised by the Governing Party”. I guess that means that under a new government, crime that had previously been committed should be forgotten and perpetrators absolved. Well that would explain why certain police officers were retained and even promoted with a change of government in 1987.
And as for today’s barbaric attack, if the case remains unsolved and according to Mr. Joe Vella’s reasoning, then it means that it has been institutionalised by the present government. Interesting indeed.
A.Tanti
Dec 2nd 2010, 10:26
I heard the explosion, my offices are just across the water from where this happened. It scared me and I jumped while at my desk. I can look out the windows and saw a big white cloud from above. Within 15 minutes the ambulances and police started showing up. I hope everyone is okay!
Edwin Saliba
Dec 2nd 2010, 11:27
15 minutes ??? if the police took 15 minutes they reallu should do something about their lack of efficiency since the police department is right up the hill !!!
Karl Glanville
Dec 2nd 2010, 12:06
@E Saliba:
Possibbli li kull ma sibt biex tghid huwa li l-Pulizija damu biex waslu?? Ifhem li f'cirkostanzi bhal dawn, bejn il-paniku u t-terrur fost l-impjegati jghaddu diversi minuti qabel xi hadd jirraporta x'ikun gara. U nemmen li l-ewwel pulizija waslu ferm qabel, ghaliex dik hija triq kontinwament uzata minn vetturi tal-Pulizija..... zgur li dawn ma baqghux ghaddejjin ghal dak li kien hemm quddiemhom!
c parnis
Dec 2nd 2010, 15:29
Mr Tanti for your information the police were on the spot in less than 5 mins In case you want to check if your clock works ok
Paul Sammut
Dec 3rd 2010, 21:41
First of all lets thank the Police corp for being always their to safe guard us with their own life the past confirms this. I only can point my finger at these bullies who in fact are so cowards and with no morals at all who in fact can not be called humans because for sure they do not know how to debate. In the year 2010 these should be called rejects and we have no place for them in todays world ONLY in prison. These workers did nothing wrong just their job as other workers and i would like to thank them. All i hope is that these pests are cought and put away for a very long time.