The man responsible for the recent Għargħur fireworks factory explosion told police he lit a petard just outside the fireworks factory due to a "flash of madness".

Villagers who spoke to The Sunday Times on condition of anonymity described the 44-year-old as a "depressed hunter" who suffered "serious psychological withdrawals".

Known to be a quiet man who was deeply involved in village life, he worked at the San Bartolomeo fireworks factory for more than two decades and had a class B licence that enabled him to assist, but not to mix chemicals, sources said.

When questioned by the police over the incident, he could not explain why he violated the factory's regulations of testing fireworks. All he could say was that he was blinded by a fit of insanity, sources said.

Although the explosion was heard in many parts of Malta, and shook nearby residences, no one was injured because a man who was with him at the time realised what was happening, grabbed him and ensured they ran for their lives.

Fortunately, the building where the chemicals and explosives used to manufacture fireworks are stored was not touched by the flames.

However, as a precaution, residents in houses overlooking the valley were evacuated for at least three hours until the fire abated.

The man's licence has been revoked and he is unlikely to get it back. Sources close to his colleagues said they would never be able to accept him back in their fold, even though he was a close friend.

Despite having suffered from severe shock after the incident, villagers said the perpetrator "came back to his senses" when he realised his licence would be revoked. He is now said to be in a stable condition.

The incident occurred only a few weeks before the parish's centenary celebrations, which will now be held with the incident still fresh in everyone's mind.

Yet, despite the financial blow as well as the shock and emotional distress of the fireworks enthusiasts and their families, the team are determined to continue with their plans for a special festa that starts next week.

Within three days they rebuilt the blown up store room and in the past two weeks took part in the fireworks festival on the Floriana Granaries and the one at the Grand Harbour, in which they placed third.

"We are trying to overcome what happened to us. Such incidents are painful and scary," one fireworks enthusiast said, adding that the tradition is in the blood and can never be put aside, regardless of the dangers involved.

Next Sunday, the San Bartolomeo factory begin centenary celebrations of their parish church - a joint anniversary celebrating 400 years since the church was built and 100 years since fireworks began being let off.

Their celebrations will run until May 16 and will include folk music, traditional food, exhibitions and the launching of a book about the history of fireworks in Għargħur.

The incident was the second fireworks factory explosion this year. Last February, two men died at the St Sebastian factory in Qormi.