Overview
- A powerful first blast struck the Ta' Lourdes fireworks factory in Magħtab near Salina on May 30 and was followed by a second large explosion and multiple smaller detonations that were audible across the island.
- The blast sent a plume hundreds of metres high, shattered windows and scattered debris along Triq is Salini, and forced the closure of the main road between Salina and Naxxar.
- Police said no factory staff were on site and two men working in nearby fields plus a food courier suffered minor injuries and were taken to Mater Dei Hospital.
- Emergency teams evacuated or pulled residents back from the area as a safety precaution while smaller explosions continued for hours and authorities set up cordons and detours.
- Magistrate Joe Mifsud is leading the investigation and officials have noted this is the factory's second major blast since 2018, raising renewed questions about fireworks storage and handling that investigators will need to address.