The Energy Ministry has ordered an internal investigation into an explosion at an Enemalta substation in Sliema that left a man fighting for his life and another seriously injured.

The investigation into Wednesday’s blast should determine the cause, the ministry said in a statement yesterday. It is also expected to establish what needed to be done to avoid any future “unfortunate incidents” such as this one, it added.

Two employees working at the substation in St Margaret’s Street were injured in the blast, which took place at about 6.50pm. Both are suffering from burn injuries.

A 54-year-old man from Naxxar is in a critical condition while the medical condition of a 48-year-old man from Mosta is still serious but stable, according to the police.

Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi and Enemalta chairman Charles Mangion visited the two injured men in hospital. The ministry and Enemalta were in constant contact with the men’s relatives, the statement said.

Dr Mizzi also went on site and spoke to the workers who were present during the incident, it added.

The explosion took place as the employees completed planned maintenance and were in the process of switching on the substation, the corporation said.

The power supply in parts of Sliema and St Julian’s was interrupted due to the explosion but electricity was restored soon after.