PM 'open' to publishing fireworks blast inquiry, pledges to help victims

Robert Abela has said he would publish the magisterial inquiry into Monday's massive fireworks factory explosion if the magistrate clears it for publication. 

The  prime minister was speaking during his first news conference after his cabinet was sworn in.

He told journalists he was open to publishing the inquiry into the Magħtab blast once the investigative process is concluded.

“If the magistrate allows it, we will publish it. I believe it should be open to the public,” he said. 

Abela also expressed solidarity with all those who suffered damage as a result of the blast at the Lourdes Fireworks Factory on Triq il-Qadi that damaged property, injured a farming father and son and killed farm animals and sanctuary birds.

Footage of the blast made headlines across the world and victims complained that political leaders and authorities remained largely silent after the incident. 

The prime minister said the government is evaluating the situation and is considering ways to help those who suffered damages.

He said his government will not leave anyone helpless and will offer help as needed, comparing the situation to Storm Harry, a national disaster that damaged coastal areas in January.

Magistrate Joe Mifsud is leading the inquiry into the explosion that tore through the factory and shattered windows hundreds of metres away. 

One of the injured farmers, 67-year-old Victor Camilleri, told Times of Malta how he was in a field neighbouring the fireworks factory took shelter in a small room that then collapsed all around him.

"I thought it was the end of the world for me. I thought that was it - I was going to die,” he said. His 47-year-old son was treated for shock after the blast at about 6.30am on Monday. 

The shocking incident has drawn attention to manufacturing and operation of fireworks facilities in Malta and reached the European Parliament where one of its vice presidents Nicolae Ștefănuță called for a ban.

Malta's MEPs were swift to react with cross party support for fireworks enthusiasts from Labour's Alex Agius Saliba and the PN's Peter Agius with both describing them as an integral part of the country's cultural identity.