Two men hospitalised after Ta’ Lourdes fireworks factory in Magħtab explodes on Monday morning

Updated with statement from fireworks association, animal welfare

Two men were rushed to Mater Dei Hospital with minor injuries after a powerful explosion tore through the Ta’ Lourdes fireworks factory in the Magħtab area at around 6:30am on Monday.

A 67-year-old and a 47-year-old, both residents of St Paul’s Bay, were in fields near the factory at the time of the blast and were taken to hospital by ambulance, among others, due to shock.

Both were certified as suffering from minor injuries. Police confirmed that none of the factory’s licensed workers was on site when the explosion occurred.

The blast, which originated at the factory on Triq tal-Qagħdi, was heard from several kilometres away, rattling buildings and shattering windows across large parts of Malta.

The fireworks factory explosion on Monday morning
The fireworks factory explosion on Monday morning
Emergency services were dispatched immediately, and police are currently investigating the incident.

Residents in surrounding localities reported hearing the explosion from several kilometres away, while others described feeling the shockwave.

Photos of the smoke cloud after the fireworks factory explosion
Photos of the smoke cloud after the fireworks factory explosion
One person who was walking dogs in Kennedy Grove at the time recounted the terrifying experience.