The Civil Protection Department this morning held a major training exercise which simulated an explosion at the March 31 fuel storage facility in Birzebbuga.

The exercise tested the response of the CPD, the hospital, Enemalta and other government sections and identified any shortcomings. The most apparent one this morning was communication between the various entities.

A large number of fire-engines and ambulances headed to the site, sirens wailing, as part of the exercise and rescuers and firemen entered the area wearing protective suits.

Six 'casualties' were evacuated.

Patrick Murgo, director of the Civil Protection Department, explains:

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