Residents evacuated as Qormi tower crane becomes unstable amid strong winds

Part of the road was closed and CPD officers scaled the crane to secure it

Updated 6.32pm

Qormi residents were temporarily evacuated from their homes on Friday after part of a nearby tower crane became unstable amid strong winds.

At around 11.45am, the Civil Protection Department (CPD) received reports that the control cabinet on top of the crane on Mdina Road had shifted to one side, raising safety concerns.

CPD officers closed part of the road and evacuated nearby residents from properties close to the construction site, while others scaled the crane to secure the structure.

It is not immediately clear how many residents were evacuated.

By around 3pm, Transport Malta had closed the southbound carriageway of the road.

All residents had returned to their homes by around 6pm, the Construction Reform Ministry said.

In a joint statement, the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) and Building and Construction Authority (BCA) said they had "immediately intervened" and issued stop work orders for the site.

A spokesperson for the CPD told Times of Malta the crane had been impacted by strong winds buffeting the country.

Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli.Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli.

Windspeeds are expected to drop to Force 4 to 5, and blow from south southeast, or west northwest, on Saturday.

Police and emergency crews are also on site.

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