Fontana mayor cries over tragedy

"My locality is shocked and sorrowful for the four tragic deaths," a weeping Fontana Mayor told MaltaToday this morning, saying Ninu Farrugia - a cousin of his - had just turned 68 last August 15, the feast of the Assumption.

"That day, Ninu and I were talking about the risks of fireworks handling as we discussed the news of the Mosta fireworks factory explosion," Saviour Borg said.

"Ninu was a great man, a real gentleman, and the soul of the village feast," Borg said.

The Farrugia family is in shock at the tragic deaths that have seen four of their closest perish in yesterday's tragedy. Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono and parliamentary secretary Chris Said were among those who visited the family.

Meanwhile, the two casualties that were flown to Malta are still in a critical condition.

Father of two, Raymond Farrugia, 35 - and Paul Micallef, 32 - who is Raymond Farrugia's brother-in-law - were brought separately to Malta by the AFM Air Wing’s helicopter, to be further treated for serious injuries. They were certified to be in danger of dying.

Both are said to have burns to 90 per cent of their bodies.