The façade of a Sliema building in the process of being demolished collapsed at about 12.30 p.m. yesterday, toppling the scaffolding workers were using.
Daniel Mangion, who works at a language school opposite the site, said he heard a sudden bang. “We saw this cloud of dust and as soon as it cleared we saw the scaffolding in the middle of the road.”
Michael Bonello, the developer of what will become a five-storey block, said the accident might have happened because the scaffolding was being supported in part by the façade.
Police and health and safety officials were later on site.