Updated 8.50pm

Large crowds gathered in Castille square for a vigil for building collapse victim Jean Paul Sofia, amid growing discontent for the construction industry.

The vigil was called after government MPs quashed calls by Sofia’s family for a public inquiry, though that decision was reversed just minutes before the vigil. 

People of all ages started gathering in Valletta from 6pm, heeding calls from the victim's family, activists, politicians and personalities.

Readers reported traffic in Msida and Blata l-Bajda, with some deciding to park in Ħamrun and walking to Valletta.

The crowd held up candles in memory of Sofia and other construction victims. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Sliema and Cottonera ferry commuters also reported long waits on their way to Valletta.

Meanwhile, in Valletta, several walked up the steps of Castille to light candles near a picture of the 20-year-old who was killed when he was crushed under rubble last December. The collapse took place on land leased out by the government for a timber factory.

A banner reading "As if he was my son" outside Castille. Photo: Jonathan Borg

Thousands heeded Sofia's relatives' call to meet at Castille Square on Monday night. Photo: Jonathan Borg

An emotional Isabelle Bonnici told those present that the prime minister had contacted her a few hours before to tell her that he was launching a public inquiry.

"There are no politics here... the only colour is that of love," Sofia's mother told the crowd. 

She thanked both the prime minister and the Opposition leader, whom she said ensured that a public inquiry took place.

"I'm sure Jean Paul is having a party right now, seeing us all united in the colour of love. Let us keep on working to improve our laws. My aim is for there to be zero construction deaths."

Jean Paul's cousin also addressed the crowd. She said the construction sector is leaving behind a slew of victims.

An emotional Sofia's father John at the vigil. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

"My cousin ended up being an innocent victim," she said, adding: "A weak system killed my cousin, where enforcement just takes place on paper". 

She called for a "serious system" where construction projects were regulated by professionals. 

"This tragedy could happen to anyone," she warned.

"We will not stop working as a family to ensure the truth comes out, and no one else has to suffer". 

The vigil came to an end with the crowd singing the national anthem. People were invited to make their way up the steps of Castille to leave their candles underneath Sofia's portrait.

People lighting candles in front of a portrait of Sofia just outside Castille. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

People were urged to leave a candle in front of Sofia's portrait. Photo: Jonathan Borg

Former Xarabank host Peppi Azzopardi was among those who addressed the crowd.

"We are here to demand a public inquiry for Jean Paul Sofia. And because we came here, a public inquiry is going to take place," he said to cheers. 

"This is not a partisan gathering. Yes, it is a political one, because this was about politics, but not partisan. Our colour is the colour of love."

Azzopardi thanked Abela and Labour's parliamentary group, something that did not seem to go down well with those present and was met with jeers. 

He also thanked Opposition leader Bernard Grech and the PN parliamentary group for voting in favour of a public inquiry.

Azzopardi also paid testament to the latest construction victim, Mohammed Kasem Hashem Alkhateeb, who died after falling at a site in Rabat.

"We are here for you too', Azzopardi said.

People headed to Valletta from as early as 6pm. Photo: Jonathan Borg

GWU Secretary General Josef Bugeja and Section Secretary Theo Vella are among those present in Castille Square. Photo: Jonathan Borg

A man holding Oliver Friggieri's 'Fil-Parlament ma jikbrux Fjuri'. Photo: Jonathan Borg

Magisterial inquiry still pending

Magistrate Marse-Ann Farrugia has yet to conclude her inquiry into the collapse and has asked for a further extension to be allowed to conclude her work.

Pressure has been mounting on Magistrate Farrugia to conclude her inquiry so that the police can then see its recommendations and act accordingly.

A government body is arguing that the people behind the building development breached their lease conditions.

Legal filings show Indis, the body that allocated the Kordin site for the timber factory, is alleging that according to the concession agreement, the development should have been completed no later than 18 months after the necessary permits were issued in April 2020.

No attempt by Indis appears to have been made to enforce this 18-month contractual deadline prior to the fatal building collapse in December 2022.

Another permit for further works on the structure was issued in June 2022, although this second permit is not referenced in the legal filings by Indis.