Update 2 | Arrest in Paceville incident, young patients out of intensive care

A man has been arrested by the police in connection with the incident on Saturday night at the Plus One Club in Paceville, where a stampede led to a glass banister giving way, with 74 people injured in the fall that ensued.

The man, 18, is alleged to have used pepper spray inside the crowded premises, the action of which was said to have sparked the stampede. Many of those present later reported suffering from shortness of breath and the presence of some sort of gas, giving rise to suspicions of a gas leak. 

In parliament this evening, home affairs minister Carmelo Abela delivered a ministerial statement saying that it appeared there had been a fight which lasted a few minutes.

Abela said the government will review health and safety certification and checks in clubbing establishments and ensure that inspections are held more frequently, and promised harsher penalties against owners who allowed under-age patrons into their establishments.

Abela also said that he will look into ways of ensuring better training and certification of people licensed to act as bouncers in these establishments.

On its part, the Police has refused to answer questions sent by MaltaToday, arguing that it could not comment on the case due to the ongoing magisterial inquiry.

A female patient who remains in intensive care following Saturday night’s Paceville incident, is showing signs of progress, the health parliamentary secretariat has confirmed.

74 youths aged between 13 and 25 years were conveyed to Mater Dei and health centres, suffering from bruises, lacerations, superficial cuts, fractures as well as head injures after the glass banister of the PlusOne club in Paceville broke.

Others who were in the same club also complained of breathing difficulties.

Seven remain in hospital, whilst a patient who was in ITU has now been taken out of intensive care.

A 15-year-old girl who until yesterday remained in critical condition, has taken a turn for the better and has been transferred to another ward.