A large tree has snapped and collapsed on one of southern Malta's main arterial roads. 

Photos sent to Times of Malta show the collapsed tree, on Hompesch Road in Żabbar, blocking lanes in both directions. 

One reader told of their lucky escape, having driven past the tree seconds before it came thundering down.  

"I heard a loud cracking noise until I realised the huge tree was falling on my car," the reader said, "but luckily I passed unscathed." The incident happened at around 12.30pm, they added. 

He said the tree showed signs of having been knocked by a large vehicle. "It needed a breeze to topple over," he said. 

A video uploaded to Malta Diżastru Totali also showed the tree blocking off the road.