Explosion at St. Helen's fireworks factory - Malta

[jonmif]

Explosion at St. Helen's fireworks factory
by Valerie Fenech, di-ve news (valfen@di-ve.com)


One man hospitalised .. four still missing
GHARGHUR, Malta (di-ve news)--June 27, 2007 -- 1800CEST -- Updated 2020CEST -- A series of explosions at the St. Helen fireworks factory in the limits of Gharghur shook various parts of the island on Wednesday afternoon. One man was hospitalised suffering from injuries while another four men are still missing.

It was around 1745CEST when the first explosion was heard, followed shortly by other explosions, which were heard and felt from various parts of the island including San Gwann, Mosta, Balzan and Rabat.

One man was hospitalised shortly after the first explosion suffering from injuries, however was certified to be in a stable position.

Meanwhile, members from the Department of Civil Protection together with the Police are on site, where a search has just commenced for the other four missing men.

 

[jonmif]

GHARGHUR, Malta (di-ve news)--June 27, 2007 -- 1800CEST -- Updated 2300CEST -- As light began to fade, the rescue team returned to base and the search for the five men still missing under the debris will resume at first light.

The five men still missing are Richard Cardona, Sunny Borg, Censu Galea, Pawlu Bonnici and Carmelo Farrugia.

On his part, Joseph Bonello was hospitalised and certified to have suffered 15 per cent burns.

A series of explosions at the St. Helen fireworks factory in the limits of Gharghur shook various parts of the island on Wednesday afternoon.

It was around 1745CEST when the first explosion was heard, followed shortly by other explosions, which were heard and felt from various parts of the island including San Gwann, Mosta, Balzan and Rabat.

One man was hospitalised shortly after the first explosion suffering from injuries, however was certified to be in a stable position.

Meanwhile, members from the Department of Civil Protection together with the Police are on site, where a search has just commenced for the other four missing men.

 

[meggsy]

More terribly sad news in the wake of Valencia.

Lets hope for the best, but I guess one has to fear the worse.....

 

[jonmif]

Search for missing men at fireworks factory resumes
Breaking News

0955CEST: The first of the five missing persons was found under the debris, although the identity of the person was still unknown. A crane was on its way to aid in the search operations.


1035CEST: Two more fire-engines arrived on site to throw more water on the debris, to reduce the risk of more explosions.

While information is still fragmented, www.di-ve.com learnt that following the first explosion, contact was made with the six persons who at that time said they were fine, but after the second explosion all contact was lost. The person who is currently in hospital was saved by his relatives, who rushed on the site and dragged him out.

 

[Luqa - Malta]

This is teribble news once again. This just can't keep happening. :sad:

It takes out all the happynes that Maltese Feasts should bring.

Prayers for the victims and their families.

 

[Tony]

This is teribble news once again. This just can't keep happening. :sad:

It takes out all the happynes that Maltese Feasts should bring.

Prayers for the victims and their families.

Indeed very sad again.

 

[meggsy]

INDEPENDENT online

 

[jonmif]

St. Helen's Fireworks Factory explosions: All missing bodies found
Special_Report
The bodies of the three missing men following the massive explosions in the St. Helen's Fireworks Factory in Gharghur on Wednesday were found on Friday morning under piles of debris. All three are yet to be identified.