A powerful double explosion destroyed a fireworks factory in northern Malta early Monday, sending a massive plume of smoke and debris into the air that was visible for miles. The first blast occurred at approximately 6:35 a.m. local time, according to reports from France 24, and was followed shortly by a second, more powerful detonation.
Police confirmed that while the facility was entirely vacant at the time of the blasts, two men working in nearby fields sustained injuries. Emergency services were dispatched to the site immediately following the second explosion to provide medical assistance and secure the perimeter.
According to Al Jazeera, the force of the explosions was significant enough to cause structural damage to buildings located several kilometers away from the factory site. The facility, which is situated in an area surrounded by fields, remains cordoned off as local authorities continue to monitor the scene for residual hazards.
While police have not yet released an official cause for the incident, the fact that no staff were inside the factory when the sequence of explosions began prevented what could have been a much larger scale of casualties. The investigation into the site’s safety and the circumstances surrounding the initial blast is ongoing. As of Monday afternoon, no fatalities have been reported in connection with the incident.
