Update 5 | Glass banister at Paceville club breaks: 74 hospitalized, teen in critical condition

Some 74 youths, including minors aged 13-year-old, were conveyed to Mater Dei Hospital and health centres last night after a glass banister at the PlusOne Paceville club collapsed under the pressure of several people who were rushing out down the staircase.

Two teenage girls aged 13 and 15 were initially certified to be suffering from life-threatening injuries. The condition of the 15-year-old girl has since improved but is still being treated at the ITU, while the 13-year-old girl is still in critical condition suffering from injuries compatible with a head trauma, parliamentary secretary for health Chris Fearne said this morning. 

The injured, aged between 13 and 25 years, are understood to have suffered from bruises, lacerations, fractures, as well as head injuries, while several also complained of breathing difficulties. The majority of the injured are understood to have suffered superficial cuts as a consequence of the falling shards of glass. 

In a press conference, the parliamentary secretary for health said three more youths were admitted to the emergency this morning. 16 people remain at hospital for further treatment.  

Police said the incident occurred during the early hours of Sunday morning at around 1:00am when a glass banister at a Paceville club broke when a substantial amount of people rushed out of the club. When contacted, the police declined to divulge the name of the establishment, saying this was a normal procedure pending ongoing investigations.

However, further investigations by MaltaToday have confirmed that the incident occurred at the PlusOne club in St George's Road, Paceville. 

A magisterial inquiry is underway to establish what happened and what caused those at the club to flee, including reports of a fight. Sources have said that "there was no fight" at the club and a gas leak is being suspected. 

A mobile clinic was reportedly set up in Paceville to cope with the amount of people seeking assistance. The Police confirmed that several ambulances along with members of the CPD were called on site to assist the victims. 

Meanwhile, the National Blood Transfusion service issued an urgent appeal for blood, saying it needs to replenish supplies today. People were urged to call at the blood bank centre in Guardamangia and at the mobile blood bank in Triq San Gwann Bosco, Sliema.