Matthew Bartolo, 17, from Kirkop, who died yesterday in a woodworking accident, was described as a popular figure in the town who had been involved in the festa preparations since he was nine or 10 years old.

A whole town went into mourning yesterday following the death of 17-year-old Matthew Bartolo, a much-loved young man who had been helping out at the village feast since he was a boy.

Matthew Bartolo died following an accident at the Construct Furniture factory in Ħal Farruġ, where he had been operating a woodworking machine.

The police said the accident happened at 12.30pm and the young man was rushed to Mater Dei Hospital for treatment but was later certified dead. An inquiry is being held, and the police are investigating.

Described as having a contagious sense of fun, he had been looking forward to turning 18 in September so that he could start working towards obtaining his fireworks licence.

“He loved the festa and anything to do with it,” said Angelo Schembri, the former secretary of Kirkop’s St Joseph band club.

“He’s been helping out with events since he was nine or 10 years old and looked forward to getting even more involved.” In fact, he said, Mr Bartolo was very active in the band club’s youth section and loved filming the events organised by his friends. Sources said he had not been working at Construct Furniture for long.

When contacted, Kirkop mayor Terrance Agius said he knew Mr Bartolo, who was only a year younger than him.

As the news of the accident spread, and people realised who the boy in the news was, the town started grieving, he said. “He was much loved. What happened is such a tragedy,” Mr Agius said.

He was such a good student.He balanced hard work with a sense of fun that was contagious

Actor Alan Montanaro said that last year he “had the honour” to teach Mr Bartolo developmental drama and English through drama and bonded with him, as they shared the same quirky sense of humour.

“He was such a good student and I say this because it’s true.

“He balanced hard work with a sense of fun that was contagious. In fact, whenever I divided the class into groups, everyone wanted to be in his group,” he said.

Matthew Bartolo, 17, was passionate about the Kirkop festa. Photo: Facebook

Mr Bartolo had aspirations to work in the television industry and had a passion for filming, Mr Montanaro added.

On Facebook his friends poured out their sorrow and condolences to Mr Bartolo’s parents and younger brother.

Many said they could not believe that he would no longer be part of the feast preparations and celebrations.

“I still can’t believe you’re gone. We used to laugh so much together during that week of the feast. We’d all go on the roof to see the fireworks and you’d run around with your camera taking photos of them,” one friend wrote.

“The Lord has a beautiful, young angel near him now. May you rest in peace, brother,” another wrote, while his friend added: “I’m sure you’re near St Joseph now, and he will greet you with open arms since you loved him so much.”

With additional reporting by Juan Ameen.