A 59-year-old worker died after a rock collapse at a construction site in Gozo this morning, the police said.

The incident happened around 10am when the victim was working at a reservoir in Tumas Cassar Street, Għarb together with his son. 

According to preliminary investigations, the incident was sparked after a clay wall caved in on the two who were working on a reservoir. 

An ambulance and Civil Protection department workers rushed to the scene but the victim, Joseph Zammit, was certified dead on the spot. Mario, his 28-year-old son was injured and taken to Gozo general hospital. His condition is not yet known.  

It is the first workplace fatality in Malta in 2017.

A magisterial inquiry has been opened. The police are investigating.