Together with my wife and many friends, we were present at the Aurora Theatre to watch the opera Carmen.

There were four intervals and because it was unbearably hot in the auditorium those present opted to partake of a breath of fresh air on the ground floor. Exiting and re-entering the auditorium took considerable time because of the single exit that allowed for this exodus.

At the end of the show I proceeded to the exit, as one does, only to find this had been bolted and the crowd was beginning to press against this door while ushers were trying to open it.

To add to this very dangerous situation I also noticed the doors opened inwards. This scenario was repeated with the other set of doors just feet away. To top it all, the organisers had placed extra seats at the end of each row, thus hindering the exit via this end. I am appalled that health and safety inspectors allow this to happen.

Many people were present including aged and frail persons. President George Abela, President Emeritus Eddie Fenech Adami, both accompanied by their wives, Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono and MP Francis Zammit Dimech were also present.

Before the start of the show, an attempt was made in Maltese and English to explain to the audience how to react in case of an emergency.

Alas, to the consternation of all present, this recorded message was not in the least audible and people being what they are, continued chatting away. Thus, it was not worth the effort broadcasting such a message.

Public places must have all exits and the signs leading to them well lit, even when there is a power outage.

Access to exits must not be hindered in any way. All doors must be kept unlocked and all doors should open outwards. There was no fire curtain as far as I could see either. These are the very basic safety rules practised in most civilised countries. I am sure that where hundreds of people congregate the rules are more stringent.

I hope the existing safety deficiencies in this popular auditorium/theatre will be attended to as soon as possible and, in the meantime, a ban placed on all productions before we are faced with a major catastrophe, which I am sure the local emergency services would not be able to cope with.