‘Thick smoke’: Explosion at fireworks factory in northern Malta injures at least two people

A deafening explosion rocked a fireworks factory in Malta on Monday, injuring at least two people and sending up plumes of smoke and scattering debris.The explosion and subsequent explosions at the Talourd fireworks factory in Malta shook the building and shattered glass, Euronews reported, citing local newspapers The Times of Malta and Malta Today.Witnesses told the newspaper that the first explosion occurred at around 6.35am local time, with a second powerful explosion occurring shortly after. Police said on social media that there were no staff at the facility at the time.Authorities said the injured were working in a nearby field when the explosion occurred and suffered minor injuries.Video posted by local media showed thick smoke billowing from the scene and debris scattered in the surrounding area. Residents reported that buildings were shaken and windows shattered by the force of the blast.Edward Mercieca, a resident who lives nearby, described the power of the first explosion in an interview. “It felt like someone took a hammer the size of a truck and hit the side of my house,” he was quoted as saying by The Times of Malta.Smaller explosions were also reported in the hours after the initial blast.Following the incident, Prime Minister Robert Abela expressed condolences on social media and said his thoughts were with those affected by the explosion. He also confirmed that authorities had immediately dispatched personnel to provide assistance.