PM furious over minors’ presence at Paceville, Busuttil calls for increased security measures

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has expressed his "shock and anger" as news emerged of minors being present in a Paceville club when panic and chaos broke.

A "high level" magisterial inquiry is underway to determine what happened at the +1 club situated just above Paceville's main steps.

I want full transparency on Paceville incident. Rules will be reviewed +changed if necessary. Unacceptable underage youths were in club -JM

— Joseph Muscat (@JosephMuscat_JM) November 15, 2015

Several dozens were hospitalised and two minors - aged 13 and 15 - are in critical condition. Other have reported respiratory problems - most probably caused by a gas leak - and superficial cuts after a glass banister gave way causing several to fall onto an establishment below.

"I'm not going into the dynamics of what happened because that is up to the magisterial inquiry to determine. However I am extremely concerned and angry by the number of minors present ... these are children. The government is committed to take the necessary measures to ensure that laws are properly followed. Things can't go on normally as if nothing has happened," Muscat said.

Just visited victims of Paceville incident at Mater Dei. We are close to them in these difficult moments. Grateful to hospital staff.

— Simon Busuttil (@SimonBusuttil) November 15, 2015

In a tweet, the Prime Minister later said that he wants "full transparency on the Paceville incident," and that rules will be changed and reviewed if necessary.

Opposition leader Simon Busuttil also expressed his concern over what happened in Paceville. "As a parent, lack of security in Paceville is a great cause of concern for me. My solidarity with all victims of last night's incident in Paceville and their families. Our full support in these difficult moments," he said.

My solidarity with all victims of last night's accident in Paceville and their families. Our full support in these difficult moments.

— Simon Busuttil (@SimonBusuttil) November 15, 2015

"I am a father and my eldest son frequents Paceville. As a parent, lack of security in Paceville is a great concern for me," Busuttil said.

The PN leader also called for increased security and safety in Paceville, and questioned why a 13-year-old girl was at Paceville at the time of the incident. The 13-year-old girl remains in critical condition.