A pensioner who was sitting on a bus stop bench chatting with a relative died this morning when a car crashed into the structure. The relative, 61, is in critical condition.

The horrific accident took place at about 10.30a.m. in Mtarfa Road, Mtarfa.

The victim Gianpatist Azzopardi (Picture reproduced with permission from the familyThe victim Gianpatist Azzopardi (Picture reproduced with permission from the family

The car, a white Toyota Tercel, was being driven by a 17-year-old from Naxxar, who does not hold a driving licence. No other car was involved.

Gianpatist Azzopardi, 65, died on the scene. His relative Joseph Vella is in critical condition, the police said.

Such was the force of impact that the stone bus stop - located opposite Mr Azzopardi's house - was totally demolished, with stones and its concrete roofing falling on the car, flattening the passenger compartment.

The driver, despite being injured, managed to extract himself from the wreckage. He was hospitalised along with Mr Vella.

A magisterial inquiry is under way.

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