Updated 12.15pm
A fire engulfed a pharmacy at the top of Manwel Dimech Street in Sliema, sparking chaos in the area.
Remedies Pharmacy and the Eye Care Centre next to it are part of a cluster which includes a dental clinic and opticians, located right in front of the Sliema police station.
The road, a busy junction, has been closed to help firefighters tackle the blaze.
Ambulances were called to the scene to assist some individuals who suffered smoke inhalation and panic attack, according to the police. The workers are believed to have fled the building at the first sign of the fire.
Pharmacy employees were all safely evacuated.
Sources said the blaze could have been sparked through a faulty electricity system.
Videos sent to Times of Malta show the two outlets were entirely destroyed in the incident reported at 10.45am. The extent of the damage to the balconies and residences above is not yet known.
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