A section of the bastion wall opposite the Treasury in Floriana collapsed just before 10.30 this morning, blocking the road.

The wall borders Argotti Gardens and appears to have collapsed as a result of this morning's heavy rain.

A worker at the nearby National Audit Office said they had heard a loud rumbling noise, "like somebody digging underneath our office" as the wall came down in a cloud of dust.

Soldiers from the AFM's Maritime Squadron, whose base is just down the road, were the first on the scene to render assistance along with members of the AFM's 'C' Company, who happened to be close by. Rescuers of the Civil Protection Department are removing the rubble to make sure there is no one underneath.

The wall is believed to have formed part of the remains of Notre Dame Gate which, in the early 20th century, was demolished to make way for the road from Sa Maison up to Floriana.

mynews@timesofmalta.com

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