The corrosive spill in Marsa earlier this week could damage car paint and undercarriages, according to RMF director Patrick Rausi.

The spill, which covered a major part of Aldo Moro Road on Monday, came from a nearby factory and is believed to have been an acid used in galvanisation.

It caused a three-hour traffic jam and a number of bumper-to-bumper collisions along the busy arterial road.

The damage is not irreparable but we are advising owners to wash their cars immediately

“One of our vehicles drove through the acidic liquid and its body spray went matte. In some parts, the protection on the undercarriage started to come off and parts were rusting.

“The damage is not irreparable but we are advising owners to wash their cars immediately and to apply undercoat protection to the bottom of their vehicles,” Mr Rausi said.

The slippery liquid was washed away by the Civil Protection Department.

CPD head John Rizzo told Times of Malta that the liquid was not a health hazard but declined to comment further until analysis was completed.

The police are also investigating but declined to comment when asked whether they would be pressing charges.

Mr Rausi said his company was advising members to inform their insurers if they had driven through the spillage.

“If you drove through this liquid we recommend taking immediate action. Insurance providers should accept claims,” he said, adding that any claims must be supported by a report filed at the Paola police station.

Transport Minister Joe Mizzi also said that insurance providers should accept claims.