“Column of smoke”: At least two people were injured after a fireworks factory explosion rocked northern Malta

At least two people were injured in a horrific explosion at a fireworks factory in Malta on Monday, sending a huge cloud of smoke into the air and scattering debris across the site.Euronews reported, citing local newspapers The Times of Malta and Malta Today, that the explosion and subsequent explosions at the Ta Lorde fireworks factory in Malta shook buildings and shattered glass.Eyewitnesses told newspapers that the initial explosion occurred at around 6.35 am (local time), followed by a second powerful explosion shortly after. Police said on social media that there were no workers inside the facility at the time.Authorities said the injured men sustained minor injuries while working in nearby fields when the explosions occurred.Video clips published by local media showed a thick column of smoke rising from the site, while debris was scattered in the surrounding area. Residents reported that buildings shook and windows were shattered due to the force of the explosions.Edward Mercieca, a resident who lives nearby, described the force of the first explosion during an interview.

“It felt like someone had picked up a hammer the size of a truck and slammed it into the side of my house,” he said, according to the Times of Malta.More small explosions were reported hours after the first explosion.Following the incident, Prime Minister Robert Abela expressed his condolences on social media and said his thoughts were with those affected by the explosion. He also confirmed that authorities were immediately dispatched to provide assistance.