Over 60 damage reports filed with police following fireworks factory explosion
Experts working 'around the clock' as sources say they expect magistrate will make inquiry public
Around 60 damage reports have been filed with police following Monday's devastating fireworks factory explosion, with dozens of residents seeking compensation through their insurers.
All reports filed with the police will be referred to an inquiring magistrate leading a probe into the shock blast.
Sources said preliminary reports were expected in the coming week, with experts told to ensure "full transparency" in their findings and that nobody would be shielded from scrutiny.
The inquiry, led by Magistrate Joe Mifsud, will delve deep into the cause and impact of the explosion, which left dead birds and livestock and damaged dozens of properties.
It is believed the magistrate will agree to make the conclusions of the inquiry public. By law, such inquiries are secret, but Prime Minister Robert Abela said earlier this week that he would publish the inquiry "if the magistrate allows it."
A team of explosives experts led by Colonel Patrick Vella and a police forensics team led by Inspector Charlo Casha are deeply involved in the probe, using drones to monitor and scan the impacted area.
Pyrotechnics experts and forensic laboratory specialists carried out a further site inspection on Saturday morning, as investigators continue to piece together the cause of Monday's devastating explosion at the Ta' Lourdes fireworks factory in Naxxar.
Experts are analysing the explosives, and ensuring there are no further threats, while CCTV is being elevated from properties in the area.
The explosion slightly injured two farmers, killed animals, destroyed crops and damaged homes and farms in the area. It was so powerful that it was recorded on seismic recording equipment designed to detect earthquakes and volcanic activity.
In a stroke of fortune, nobody was killed in the blast: a group of eight people that was on the way to the factory from Gozo narrowly escaped tragedy, as they had not yet arrived when the explosion rocked the area at around 6.30am.
The next phase of the investigation will focus on securing and examining the entire site to eliminate any remaining dangers to investigators and the public. Experts are believed to have worked day and night to establish the cause of Monday’s blast.
"People are not flies; they must be protected," one investigating source said.