Updated 11.41am with statement by the fireworks society.

A 40-year-old man from Qrendi was seriously injured by fireworks in Mellieħa on Sunday evening.

The police said some petards exploded near the man at about 7pm.

He was hospitalised in a serious condition.

The Għaqda tan-Nar Marija Bambina Mellieħa said the accident happened as fireworks were being let off to celebrate the start of the Mellieħa feast procession.

The victim, who had been close to the site where the fireworks were let off, suffered burns but is now doing well and is under observation in hospital, the society said.

It thanked the people of Mellieħa for their support and thanked Our Lady for having avoided an incident with more serious consequences.

It wished the victim a speedy recovery.

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