Three people were injured in a car bomb explosion in Marsaxlokk this afternoon.

One, Darren Degabriele, 35, of Ghaxaq, suffered severe (90%) burns. He is in a critical condition.

A 28-year-old woman from Birkirkara, who was with Mr Degabriele, was also injured. She is slightly injured.

A 39-year old man from Gharghur, who was driving in the opposite direction, was also hospitalised because he was injured by the blast.

The explosion took place at 3.50pm in Zejtun Road.

Police sources said it was caused by an improvised explosive device, a home-made bomb.

Eyewitness Carmelo Micallef, a 68-year-old Monti hawker who at the time of the accident happened to be leaving Marsaxlokk, said that as he was driving he suddenly saw a Mitsubishi Pajero explode and the car behind it, a Renault Megane, swerved to avoid the explosion, hitting his van, an electricity pole and the Pajero in the process.

The police said the Renault also caught fire.

Mr Micallef said he panicked and turned around but eventually the doors of the Pajero opened and two people, one suffering from severe burns came out of it.

Members of the Civil Protection Department helped control the fire.

An inquiry is being held.