Tributes paid to Karmenu Muscat, driving instructor killed in bus roll-back
The 63-year-old died after being caught between the bus and a wall
Updated 8.40pm
Tributes have been paid to 63-year-old Tallinja driving instructor Karmenu Muscat, who died after a bus rolled back on him at the Floriana Park and Ride facility.
The Naxxar resident was caught between the bus and a wall during the incident that took place at around 1.45pm on Tuesday, police said earlier that day.
Photographs from the scene showed a Learner sign on an empty Mercedes Citaro bus.
The man was caught between the bus and a wall. Photo: Chris Sant FournierA medical team was on site and Muscat was taken immediately to Mater Dei Hospital, where he died shortly afterwards.
In a Facebook post, Malta's public transport operator Tallinja said the organisation was "deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our colleague and dear friend, Karmenu Muscat, who passed away today in a devastating accident".
The company described him as "not only a dedicated and experienced driving instructor, but also one of the most trusted persons in the public transport community".
"He was respected and looked up to by many for his patience, professionalism, and dedication."
The company said Muscat would be "profoundly" missed, adding his legacy "will live on through the many people he mentored with his guidance and support".
"Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family and friends during this difficult time. May he rest in peace."
The company offered its condolences to Muscat's family and thanked emergency responders.
The post had racked up more than 1,000 reactions at the time of publication, though comments were disabled.
Malta Public Transport on Tuesday changed its social media profile pictures to an icon showing a black ribbon, typically used as a sign of mourning.
Magistrate Joe Mifsud is leading an inquiry into the crash and the OHSA, which investigates workplace accidents, is also investigating.
Muscat's death is the fifth fatality from a road traffic accident in just four days.
On Saturday, a 27-year-old motorcyclist was killed when his bike was involved in a crash with a BMW in Pembroke in the early hours of the morning.
The following day a woman died in a head-on crash in Fgura that also involved former president George Abela and his wife.
A motorcyclist died in Pieta a few hours later.
And on Sunday evening mother of four, Mildred Azzopardi, died when she was trapped between two cars in a crash. A 23-year-old soldier has been charged with involuntary homicide for Azzopardi's death.