A major explosion at a fireworks factory in Malta has prompted the deployment of British bomb disposal experts to assist local authorities. The blast, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, has raised concerns about industrial safety standards on the Mediterranean island.
Maltese police confirmed that the explosion took place at a facility in the town of Mqabba, a traditional centre for fireworks manufacturing. Emergency services were immediately dispatched, and the area was cordoned off as a precaution. No casualties have been reported at this time, though officials have not ruled out the possibility of injuries.
The British team, composed of specialists from the Ministry of Defence Police, arrived in Malta within hours of the blast. Their expertise is expected to support the Maltese police in determining the cause of the explosion and assessing any residual hazards. The deployment was authorised under a bilateral agreement between the two nations for mutual assistance in major incidents.
Malta has a long-standing tradition of fireworks production, particularly for religious festivals. However, the industry has faced scrutiny following a series of accidents in recent years. In 2019, a similar blast at a factory in Naxxar killed three workers. The Maltese government subsequently introduced stricter regulations, but enforcement has been inconsistent.
Local residents described hearing a loud bang followed by a plume of smoke visible from several kilometres away. “It felt like an earthquake,” said one witness. The factory is located in a semi-industrial area, and no residential properties were directly affected.
The investigation is expected to focus on the storage of raw materials and the handling of explosive compounds. Officials have not yet indicated whether foul play is suspected. The Maltese prime minister expressed gratitude for the UK assistance, stating that “the safety of our people is paramount.”
The UK team’s involvement highlights the close ties between the two countries in matters of public safety. Similar assistance was provided during the 2019 Naxxar incident. The current deployment is limited in scope and is expected to last several days.
As the investigation proceeds, Maltese authorities have advised the public to avoid the area and have urged other fireworks manufacturers to review their safety protocols. The incident comes ahead of the summer festival season, a peak period for fireworks display.
