The Parliamentary Secretary for Health and the Mater Dei Hospital authorities this morning gave more details of the incident last night in which 71 people were injured, two critically, during a stampede out of +1 club in Paceville.
A glass banister gave way and many people fell to a lower storey. Authorities are investigating a possible gas leak as having caused the incident.
The government and the opposition both voiced concern, particularly over the presence of children.
MUSCAT: CONCERN ABOUT PRESENCE OF CHILDREN, GOVERNMENT TO ACT
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat in a comment expressed his regret and concern about what had happened.
“The fact that there were so many children – because that is what they are – in a nightclub when we have clear laws is something that concerns me and angers me. The government will take all necessary measures to ensure that this sort of thing doesn’t happen again,” he said.
OPPOSITION CONCERN
Opposition leader Simon Busuttil said he was worried about the level of security in Paceville.
“I am a father and my eldest son frequents Paceville. I cannot sleep easy knowing the level of safety in the area,” he said.
Dr Busuttil was speaking during a radio interview and said violent incidents in Paceville had become so frequent that they no longer shocked people.
“We need higher standards in nightclubs and places of entertainment. We also need increased safety on the streets of Paceville,” he said.
Dr Busuttil also questioned why underage youths were among those injured last night.
“Why was there a 13 year old in a nightclub at that time of night? Who will be responsible for this,” he said.
Both Dr Muscat and Dr Busuttil later visited the victims.
Archbishop Charles Scicluna also expressed his solidarity
INJURED GIRL WAS CELEBRATING BIRTHDAY
It is understood that one of the injured girls was celebrating her birthday in a party at the club.
URGENT APPEAL FOR BLOOD DONATIONS
The Blood Bank issued an urgent appeal for blood, saying it needs to replenish supplies today. People were urged to call at the centre in Guardamangia, carrying their ID card.