A 30-year-old man from Birzebbuga died and another was seriously injured when a light van crashed at the entrance of one of the tunnels at Kirkop during rush hour this morning.

The accident happened at 7.20 a.m., when the Ford Escort van crashed into a wall in the tunnel which takes traffic towards Zurrieq.

Rescuers from the Civil Protection Department were called to free the driver from the wreckage. He later died in hospital. The passenger, a 23-year-old man, also from Birzebbuga, got out unaided but also needed medical treatment for serious injuries.

The tunnel was closed, causing a traffic jam. The police advised motorists to seek alternative routes.

A magisterial inquiry is under way.

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