Updated 11.25am

Five people were badly hurt in a three-car collision involving eight people on Sunday morning in Burmarrad. 

Police confirmed that they had received an emergency call for assistance on Triq Burmarrad at around 8.30am.

The collision involved a 39-year-old man from Dingli driving a Peugeot 306, a Toyota Starlet containing a driver and three passengers, all from Mosta and aged between 24 and 27, and a Toyota Corolla with two adults and a young five-year-old child inside. 

All four people inside the Toyota Starlet as well as the Peugeot driver were seriously injured in the crash, with the drivers of both those vehicles needing Civil Protection Department expertise to be freed to safety. 

The young boy inside the Toyota Corolla and the car's 24-year-old driver were slightly injured. The car's woman passenger escaped unscathed. 

All eight people inside the three cars were taken to Mater Dei Hospital by ambulance.  

Police say they are investigating further. 

Urgent blood appeal

As victims were undergoing treatment at Mater Dei Hospital, the National Blood Transfusion Service launched an urgent appeal for O positive and A positive blood donors to come forward. 

"Despite our appeals we're not receiving enough daily donations," the service said. "Whoever can help should visit our centre as soon as possible." 

The centre, which is located next to St Luke's Hospital, is open seven days a week from 8am to 6pm. Donors must have a valid ID card or driving licence.