[WATCH] Fireworks explosion rocks Gudja, no injuries reported as tragedy is averted

Tragedy averted as fireworks blast rocks Gudja • Video: Ivan Consiglio

A powerful blast rocked Gudja this afternoon after a container laden with fireworks and unexploded petards exploded in a field at around 4:30pm.

No injuries have been reported, health minister Chris Fearne confirmed.

Sources close to the investigation told MaltaToday that no one was in the area at the time of the explosion, helping to avoid a devastating tragedy. Eyewitnesses said it was a “miracle” that no injuries had been reported as it was only thanks to Saturday’s storm that feast enthusiasts were not on site of the explosion.  

Gudja mayor John Calleja was on the site of the explosion • Photo: Ivan Consiglio

Plumes of smokes were seen from Zejtun moments after the explosion • Photo: Diane Said Seychell

Instead, feast enthusiasts were preparing for the ground fireworks display – which was due to be held on Sunday night after having been cancelled due to Saturday’s weather. Renato Abela, an eyewitness who was in a field nearby prior to the blast, told MaltaToday that a “70-metre wide ball of flames which sent debris flying into the sky” followed the first explosion.

“The fireworks were meant to be let off yesterday but the ground fireworks display was cancelled due to Saturday’s bad weather. Yesterday, feast enthusiasts were in the field where the explosion occurred to store the fireworks in the container ... Had the explosion occurred on Saturday, this would have been much worse,” police sources said.

Photo by Fabio Giangolini shows the glass of showroom in Gudja shattered by the blast

At least three ambulances have been deployed as Triq Hal Tarxien is now closed to traffic • Photos: Fabio Giangolini)

The cause of the explosion is as yet unconfirmed, but initial police investigations suggest that there were two simultaneous blasts followed by the explosion of several petards.

Police said that all fireworks enthusiasts have been accounted for.

The evening procession will go on as planned, organisers confirmed with MaltaToday.

Eyewitnesses reported feeling the blast outside from the Gudja parish church and observed the church “trembling.” Gudja is currently celebrating the feast known as il-Madonna tac-Cintura.

In comments to MaltaToday, eyewitness Dr Fabio Giangolini, a Gudja resident, said the explosion rattled his windows and sent shockwaves around his house.

“I was at home and the blast literally sent prolonged shockwaves for around four and five seconds. The windows rattled, and plumes of smoke could be seen coming in from in between fields,” he said.

Life goes on: Feast enthusiasts pictured preparing for the evening’s procession • Photos: Ivan Consiglio

A number of ambulances, a team of paramedics, police officers, members of the Civil Protection Department, as well as members of the Bomb Disposal Unit, are on site.

Also on site are health minister Chris Fearne, home affairs minister Carmelo Abela, Gudja mayor John Calleja, and police commissioner Lawrence Cutajar.

On site at #Gudja - preliminary indications show no injuries. Helpline: 25454184

— Chris Fearne (@chrisfearne) October 30, 2016

Police set up a roadblock at the roundabout by the airport, prohibiting vehicles from driving into Gudja via Dawret il-Gudja.

Thanks to all @CPD_MT @MaltaPolice and @Armed_Forces_MT staff who are still on site at Gudja securing the area after the fireworks explosion

— Carmelo Abela (@AbelaCarmelo) October 30, 2016

A helpline 25454184 has been set up by the Health Department.

The explosion took place exactly three months after a similar blast occurred in Marsaxlokk on July 30. No one was fatally injured in the explosion at Marsaxlokk but the blast, which had been described by eyewitnesses as “huge” and “akin to a fireball”, injured four people.