What happened on Sunday during the Paqpaqli għall-Istrina charity car show is a tragedy. Expressions of solidarity with the injured and their families are in order. May the victims have a speedy recovery.
Witnessing a very powerful car ploughing into spectators at high speed and leaving 28 injured, including five critically, is indeed a most disturbing experience.
The incident shocked the country. Many immediately decided to make a tangible contribution and came forward to donate blood. Such was the turnout that the staff on duty at the blood bank could not keep up. Solidarity could hardly be manifested in a more tangible way. This was another clear example of the generosity of the Maltese people and of their ability to rise to the occasion when the circumstances demand it.
This was national unity at its very best. However, the focus is already shifting from the horrifying scene at the airport to questions on safety issues. Which is, of course, to be expected. President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca was asked about the safety precautions in place soon after the incident. Her reply was that a magisterial inquiry was underway and one should therefore await its outcome.
Safety is always an issue at such events. Likewise, accidents are prone to happen. Take Formula 1 racing, for example, where hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of euros are spent to enhance safety, tragedies continue to happen. Dangers loom everywhere and in every activity, let alone where high risks are involved.
To go back to Sunday’s tragedy, it ought to be borne in mind that this was the 10th edition of the event and all previous editions had proceeded smoothly, without incident. This time it was different, tragically very different, and for the injured and their families pointing out the previous clean safety record is no consolation. More than revenge, what they expect is information and answers. The least that should happen is that their questions are answered to their satisfaction.
However, given the magnitude of what happened, explanations must be given not just to the victims and their next-of-kin but to the public at large. There is public interest. This is not saying the public is interested in the outcome – but, of course, people are – but the point being made is that it is in the interest of the public that the findings become known.
One cannot be faulted for harbouring doubts and asking questions like who was the official organiser of the event and who should shoulder legal responsibility? Was a licence/permit sought and, if so, which was the licence-issuing authority? Was a risk assessment carried out and by whom? Were any motor sport experts approached in advance for their advice? Was anybody approached to decide on what safety precautions should be taken and, if so, who was it? What happens now?
The above shows what sort of pressure the inquiring magistrate and the experts she has nominated to help her are under. The public does not only want clear answers but also that these are given in reasonable time. This is necessary to avoid speculation but, more importantly, to put people’s minds at rest that things are done the way they should.
The government should therefore instruct the Attorney General to ensure, first, that the inquiry is concluded in the shortest time possible (making sure the experts have adequate time to carry out their duties diligently) and that, secondly, the report is published immediately.
Public interest demands it.