Updated Tuesday 8.15am with home's statement
A blaze caused major panic but no fatalities at an old people's home in Buġibba this evening.
Some members of staff had to be treated for smoke inhalation and one resident was sent to Mater Dei for observation but returned to the home later, Care Malta, which runs the home said in a statement this morning. (read statement below)
Witnesses reported a lot of commotion after the fire was sparked on the fifth floor of the Triq it-Turisti home at around 6.45pm.
Residents were seen calling out for help from balconies, with senior citizens seen fainting on chairs provided by nearby bars. Others panicked as they tried to track down their loved ones.
Some residents were trapped inside though firefighters provided quick assistance. Nearby shop owners assisted the residents by handing out water to the residents.
A number of residents of the Casa San Paolo home were carried out in a state of panic. A number of the elderly citizens are bed-bound.
Medics on site said no fatalities were reported until 7.45pm. Many of the injured were taken to a nearby church for assistance.
The incident is believed to have been sparked in the laundry room in the basement, with the fire and smoke engulfing the rooms above.
An eyewitness said residents at the home were taken back into the building at around 10pm. Alternative arrangements have been made for residents on the fifth floor, where the fire blazed.
Care Malta's statement
In a statement this morning, the home said that the elderly were taken out of the home as a precaution and taken to the nearby Qawra Church by staff members.
No one was injured but one of the residents was admitted to Mater Dei Hospital for observation but returned later last night. Some staff members had to be given first aid because of the smoke inhalation.
Most of the evacuated elderly were returned to the home once it was ascertained that there was no more smoke or other dangers. Some 40 senior citizens were however taken to other homes as their floor had been more significantly affected by the blaze.
Firefighters at the scene. Photo: Sergey Markov
Photo: Claire Caruana
Photo: Sergey Markov
Photo: John Portelli