No one was injured late yesterday when packages that had contained chemicals used in the production of fireworks exploded as they were being burnt in Għaxaq.
Two explosions took place at around 8.10pm and were heard from neighbouring localities including Fgura, with reports of a flash and smoke being seen.
Police units and members of the Civil Protection Department were dispatched to St Mary’s fireworks factory, where the explosion took place.
There they found fireworks enthusiasts who explained what had happened.
The burning of such packaging is standard practice, fireworks experts said.