Transport Minister Austin Gatt has praised Major Peter Ripard for his strength of character after visiting him at Mater Dei Hospital this morning.

Maj Ripard, 74, lost a leg in yesterday’s explosion at the Transport Malta office at Sa Maison Hill.

“I’ve known Peter for years and the never-say-die constitution of an ex-Army man shines through even in this sort of situation at the ITU. I can imagine that what he is feeling is different from what is seen from the outside, but the strength of the man... I also met Mrs Ripard and her children and they too are strong,” Dr Gatt said.

He said he had offered his solidarity and help.

“Peter will have the challenge of using a prosthesis, which, I’m sure he will be taking in his stride as he always does.

“Peter technically retired years ago but we kept using him for his expertise, especially with regards to safety. Peter is a pillar of Transport Malta and him being out of action will surely affect our work,” Dr Gatt said.

He also praised Konrad Pule the hand of land transport, who was injured in the blast.

“He does work which is vital for the Authority so it is likely that the bomb was intended for him, but I don’t want, in any way, to speculate on the matter, in a way that could somehow prejudice the police investigation,” Dr Gatt said.

He added that he was shocked that someone, for some problem he may have with the authority, went as far as to plant a bomb which has led to very serious consequences but which could have had even more grave implications.

Dr Gatt said he had been unable to see the offices where the bomb exploded – since they are the subject of police investigation but said there was a lot of debris.

He however expressed solidarity with the workers.

“The employees there obviously feel that the work they do there is their duty and therefore that they can be targeted in this way is shocking,” he said.

The Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition and the Archbishop also visited Major Ripard in hospital.