Updated 5pm 

Two people were rushed to hospital after an electric circuit board sparked and caught fire at Palumbo Malta Shipyard.

A 45-year-old man from Naxxar and a 55-year-old man from Fgura were rushed to Mater Dei Hospital. The younger man suffered grievous injuries, while the older man was only slightly injured. 

“We had our two best technicians on the job and the fire was immediately brought under control. We are in constant contact with the two men and their condition is stable. We have also been informed that they are being kept under observation,” a Palumbo spokesperson said.

In an initial statement, police said that the two had been hurt in what was "most likely an explosion". The shipyard, however, contested that description and said the circuit board had caught fire rather than exploded. 

Police subsequently clarified that the two men injured in "fires" at the shipyard had been taken to hospital by fellow workers. 

The incident happened at around 2.15pm on Wednesday and the Civil Protection Department were called on site.

Magistrate Gabriella Vella is leading an inquiry into the incident.