A powerful explosion occurred at the Lourdes Fireworks Factory in the Salina area of Malta on the morning of May 30. As a result of the incident, residential buildings and farms were damaged, and two people sustained minor injuries. This was reported by the Times of Malta, according to UNN.
The explosion was heard across the entire island
The first explosion occurred around 6:30 a.m. local time. It was followed by a series of smaller detonations, and a thick column of smoke rose over the area, visible from various parts of the island.
Local residents reported that the shockwave caused windows and doors to shake even in remote areas of the country.
"It felt as if someone had hit the house with a giant hammer," said local resident Edward Mercieca.
People and buildings affected
According to police, all factory workers and residents of neighboring houses were promptly evacuated.
Two men, aged 47 and 67, who were working in nearby fields, were hospitalized with minor injuries and shock.
In many houses, the blast wave blew out windows and doors. Stones and debris flew significant distances, damaging cars and buildings. There were also reports of a courier sustaining minor injuries from debris.
Fears regarding livestock deaths
Following the explosion, authorities evacuated people from surrounding areas due to the risk of further detonations. At the same time, farmers were temporarily unable to access their farms to check on the condition of their animals.
The MaYA Foundation reported significant damage to farms and the possible death of livestock.
"For farmers, animals are not just numbers. They represent years of work, daily care, and the livelihood of entire families," the organization stated.
The factory has exploded before
Local media recall that this same fireworks factory exploded in 2018. At that time, two men sustained serious injuries.
The incident also evoked associations among residents with other tragedies in Malta involving the illegal production or storage of explosives, which have previously led to fatalities and the destruction of residential homes.
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