Family awarded €68,678 in damages

Alvin and Ursola Borg were awarded €68,678 in damages after a gas cylinder exploded at their Zebbug home in 2007.

On 21 June, 2007 an Enemalta gas cylinder kept in the family's balcony leaked gas. A fire in the family's bedroom ignited the leaking fumes and an explosion occurred. Alvin Borg suffered burns to 33% of his body while the house had structural damages amounting to €8,000. Borg is still suffering the consequences of the incident, and is bound to wear pressure garments for the rest of his life after developing a condition called hyperthropic.

Ursula Borg, who at the time of the incident was mothering an eight-month old baby, had to take unpaid leave to nurse her husband. The wife is a nurse by profession.

The Court heard how the victim had smelt the gas and went to check, but the cylinder exploded as the men drew near. Court experts held the leak was due to a defect in the gas cylinder, where the wheel valve was not fully closed and the cap was damaged. Another court expert argued the leak had been going for over two hours.

Enemalta, the company responsible for the gas cylinder held the cylinder was in good state when it left the gas facility.

Mr Justice Silvio Meli decreed the explosion was the responsibility of Enemalta Corporation and ordered the corporation to pay the family €68,678 in damages. Lawyer Caroline Farrugia appeared for family Borg.