Adds HSBC statement -

Employees of the HSBC branch in Fleur-de-Lys have been evacuated because of a fire.

Eyewitnesses said the fire appeared to have broken out in the deposit room behind the ATM. It produced thick smoke, forcing the evacuation of the branch.

The blaze was reported at about 11.25 a.m. No one was injured.

The fire is believed to have started from an electricity distribution box and was quickly contained. Two fire engines were on the scene. 

HSBC STATEMENT

In a statement in the afternoon, HSBC confirmed that the fire was caused by an electrical fault. 

It described the fire as being small but said the branch  will be closed over the next few working days. However, branch staff will be relocated to Hamrun Branch where customers of Santa Venera Branch may be offered a limited service. This would  allow for a survey of the electrical system as well as to clean up the premises at Fleur-de-Lys.

“During the incident all Bank employees and customers were quickly evacuated unharmed and all emergency procedures were implemented effectively. No customer assets were damaged,” the bank said.

It apologised for any inconvenience caused, and thanked the fire department and the police  for their prompt action.