Man dies in building site accident

Spiru Abela, 52, of Zejtun died buried under rubble after a wall of a summer residence under construction at Xghajra collapsed yesterday.

Mr Abela was with another worker, Grezzju Zammit, who escaped injury.

The accident occurred at about 12.15 p.m. as the workers were laying concrete on the roof of the first floor and a nine course wall collapsed.

The old residence in Ix-Xatt Street had been pulled down and parts of it were being used to reconstruct it.

Mr Abela, who had two children, died on the spot. Members of the Civil Protection Department pulled him out from under the rubble.

Neighbours said they heard a loud noise and on realising what had happened they ran to the building to try to help.

But all they were able to do was console Mr Zammit, who was suffering from severe shock.

Magistrate Giovanni Grixti held an on-site inquiry.

Police investigations are being conducted by Superintendent Patrick Spiteri and Inspector Anthony Cassar.