Fire breaks out at SkyParks 2 construction site near Malta airport
Airport not impacted; surrounding buildings evacuated as precaution before blaze is brought under control
Updated 7.47pm
A fire broke out at SkyParks 2 on Thursday evening, the business centre which is currently under construction at Malta International Airport.
A black plume of smoke could be seen billowing out of the construction site towards the airport as alarms sounded.
The Civil Protection Department said surrounding buildings were evacuated “as a precautionary measure”.
In a statement, Malta International Airport said the electrical fire broke out at 6.30pm.
"All personnel working at the construction site were evacuated and have been accounted for, with no injuries being reported," MIA said.
Airport operations were not impacted by the fire.
However, MIA cautioned motorists travelling along the airport ring road "to follow the instructions of personnel on site, who are directing traffic to ensure the safe flow of vehicles."
Traffic around the airport ring road of Thursday evening following the fire at SkyParks 2. Photo: Chris Sant FournierThe fire was brought under control and ventilation operations are now underway, the CPD added.
Firefighters from Fire Stations 1, 3, 4, and 5, which were responding to the incident together with the MIA Fire Section, remain on site along with the Emergency Department of Mater Dei Hospital, the police and Transport Malta.
SkyParks 2 is a mixed-use complex featuring a four-star hotel and two office blocks. The 98-room hotel, the first ever airport hotel for Malta, is slated to open next year.