Youths call for more checks, greater security at Paceville

Greater security and increased spot checks must be implemented to safeguard the safety of youths in Paceville, Alternattiva Demokratika Zghazagh said.

In a statement published in the wake of Sunday’s accident that injured 74 youths at the PlusOne Paceville club, the Green Party expressed concern at the “lack of security available”.

“It is apparent that the presence of teenagers under the age of 17 is prohibited by law, but unfortunately, this does not seem the case, since one of the injured is 13-years-old,” it said.

The 13-year-old girl was one of six youths who was injured after a glass banister collapsed under the pressure of several people who were rushing out down the staircase. A 15-year-old girl was initially certified to be suffering from critical injuries, but despite her condition improving, she is still receiving treatment at the ITU.

Echoing Opposition leader Simon Busuttil’s calls for increased security and safety in Paceville, Alternattiva Demokratika Zghazagh (ADZ) said there should be greater security presence at the gates, as well as increased spot checks by the relevant authorities.

In addition, the Green Party also took exception at Malta’s lack of alternative means of leisure, and implied that the presence of minors at Paceville could be discouraged if there were increasing access to leisure for youths.

“All relevant stakeholders, including the Commissioner for Children and Agenzija Zghazagh must take urgent action to prevent such incidents from occurring again. Access to Youth hubs must increase, while research must be carried out to explore further ways that involve teenagers in the community.”