Seven people were injured in Gudja early this afternoon when an air tank forming part of a machine used to fire paper during the band march exploded, the police said.

The machine whose air tank exploded, injuring three people. Photo: Paul Spiteri Lucas

They said three were taken to hospital by ambulance, the others made their own way to Mater Dei. None of the injured are in a critical condition and five were released from hospital soon after treatment.

Two -  bandsman Bjorn Callus, 26, who was wounded in his neck and shoulder and supporter Alexander Bigeni, who suffered grievous leg injuries, were operated upon and kept for further treatment.

The incident happened at 12.15 p.m.

The four men and a woman who have been released from hospital are aged between 12 and 33 and are from Gzira, Valletta, Zebbug, Gudja and Zabbar.

An inquiry is being held.

Gudja is celebrating the feast of Sta Marija. The band march was stopped after the incident but celebrations are continuing as normal this evening, since none of the injured is critical, a spokesman for the feast organisers said.