An explosion at a fireworks factory in Malta has just sent a plume of smoke across the island. Emergency services are on the scene. The blast was heard miles away.
Locals are reporting shattered windows. No official casualty count yet. But the factory is a known flashpoint.
Malta's fireworks industry is a big deal. It's a cultural thing. But safety standards have been a question mark for years.
This will reignite that debate. Expect a political blame game. The government will want to be seen as in control.
Opposition will demand answers. The real story? It's about regulation.
Or the lack of it. I'm told the factory had a valid license. But inspections?
Patchy at best. This is a tragedy waiting to happen. It just did.
Watch this space for fallout.
