A powerful petard exploded prematurely outside an Għaxaq fireworks factory on Thursday afternoon, causing widespread alarm among residents and firework enthusiasts.

The explosion, near St Joseph Fireworks Factory in Triq il-Qattus, was reported at about 4.10pm.

An ambulance and police units were initially deployed but the alert was called off when it was established that no one was hurt and no damage was caused.

The incident was the second in Għaxaq this week.  

No one was injured early on Tuesday in an explosion at St Mary’s Fireworks factory.

The explosion happened at around 12.45am as firework chemicals were being mixed by a machine. There was no one on site but a room was demolished. 

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