Updated: The fourth victim of yesterday’s tragic explosion [1] at Qalb ta’ Gesu fireworks factory in Gharb has now been found.
The Civil Protection Department and the Armed Forces of Malta, who are being assisted by Gozo’s Emergency Response and Rescue Corps, are still working at the site of yesterdays tragic accident.
Three men were confirmed dead yesterday afternoon, but the search for the fourth was suspended during the evening and started again early this morning.
The four people who perished in this tragedy have been named as Gorg Gatt, Mario Gauci, Peppi Cini and Brian Portelli.
Powerful explosions were heard across the islands just before 2.45pm yesterday afternoon. The blasts produced a large mushroom cloud and scattered heavy boulders around the area and destroyed 4 cars parked near by.
The emergency and rescue services arrived shortly afterwards at the scene of the factory, known as Ta Marozz, situated close to the San Dimitri Chapel.
A further explosion, which happened some 30 minutes later, slightly injured some of the rescuers.
An inquiry into the tragedy is being led by Magistrate Josette Demicoli and the appointed court experts.
The explosions took place a short distance away from the fireworks factory that blew up in 2010 which lead to the tragic loss of 6 lives.
Photographs are by Lorne Cremona – www.lornecremona.com [2]
3 Comments To "4th victim of tragic Gharb Firework Factory explosion found"
#1 Comment By Bettina Thiel On November 5, 2012 @ 10:44 am
Yesterday happened a big tragody. Some people died. and 900 metres far i enjoyed with friends a BBQ.And we heard the big noises and saw the dark clouds and in this moment everybody knew people die. All foreigners feeling so sorry with the families who lost a husband, a father, a son, brother good friend.But we have to accept.And we know these people lost the life during the work which they loved to do.They created wonderful fireworks and the knew about the risks.And if we enjoy the next firework we will remmber for all people they died. And every light from the firework is a symbol for all the souls gone to heaven.
#2 Comment By C. Camilleri On November 5, 2012 @ 11:36 am
One day this kind of people will learn not to go into these deadly rooms, and before you enter into one of them think of your family first not of your fiesta and money.
So that makes 10 that now die at Gharb fireworks factories.
#3 Comment By Richard On November 5, 2012 @ 7:06 pm
RIP for the unfortunate people that lost their lives, the saying goes if you play with fire, you bound to get burnt< i learned that the hard way. hope others will learn a leason from their death. my condolencies to the families& the same to the others before them. i believe already 10 died already in the Gharb area alone.