One dead in collision involving PM’s parents; George Abela and wife 'stable'
Former president George Abela and wife Margaret among several involved in crash
Updated 6.35 pm
A woman died and another is in a critical condition following a crash involving Robert Abela's mother and father.
The Prime Minister's parents – former president George Abela and Margaret Abela – were among several people hospitalised following a head-on collision between two cars in Fgura on Sunday afternoon.
Shortly after the accident, Prime Minister Robert Abela said his mother and father were in a stable condition in hospital. In a statement, police said the individuals were certified as "grievous".
In a statement, the police said the 71-year-old woman from Żabbar was pronounced dead shortly after the incident.
A 23-year-old woman who was driving the vehicle is in a critical condition. She is also from Żabbar.
The crash, between a Toyota Corolla and an Audi Q3, happened at around 3.30 pm on Triq Hompesh, the busy Fgura road leading to Żabbar.
The police said the Civil Protection Department were needed on site.
Photo: PoliceBesides George and Margaret Abela, three others were in the Audi, a 42-year-old woman and two boys aged 14 and 11.
The condition of those three individuals is still pending.
In a statement, Abela thanked the medical professionals, police and CPD officers who assisted his parents.
"They are recovering in hospital, are in a stable condition and are being given the best care," he said.
He said his prayers were also with the other victims of the crash.
Opposition leader Bernard Grech wished a speedy recovery for Abela's parents.
"A few moments ago, I contacted the prime minister and offered my support at this time," he said.
Similarly, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said that her thoughts were with the president emeritus and his wife.
The archbishop Charles Scicluna said his is praying for the former president and first lady.
George Abela, 77, served as president of Malta from 2009 to 2014. Before that he was a senior figure in the Labour Party serving for a time as deputy leader. He was also a candidate for the role of party leader in 2008.
Magistrate Ian Farrugia is leading an inquiry into the crash, alongside police investigations.