Workers evacuated after blaze at ST Tower, Gżira

Updated at 3.45pm with Stivala Group statement

Workers were evacuated from the 23-storey ST Tower in Gżira after a fire broke out on one of the top floors.

Overall, around 30 people were evacuated from the high-rise building, a civil protection department spokesperson told Times of Malta.

Police confirmed they had been informed about a fire in Testaferrata Street around 11.30am. Amateur video showed smoke billowing from offices some 13 storeys up.

Firefighters were on the scene and quickly extinguished the blaze.

Building owner and developer Michael Stivala told Times of Malta the situation had been "sorted", with "just a copper pipe burned" in the fire. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, he said.

A spokesperson for the Civil Protection Department said the fire was believed to have originated in the building's air conditioning system, adding it was "not a serious incident but one that warranted the evacuation of the building". The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes.

No one was injured.

In a press release issued later on Monday, Stivala Group said no major damage was sustained. It said the fire protection systems at ST Tower functioned to contain the situation "promptly" and prevented any escalation.

A fire engine outside the ST Tower in Gżira. (Matthew Mirabelli)

"We are relieved to report that our proactive safety measures at ST Tower performed effectively, safeguarding lives and minimising disruption," Stivala, Chairman of Stivala Group, said in the statement.

"This incident highlights the value of our ongoing investments in advanced fire safety systems and emergency preparedness."

The Stivala Group apologised for any inconvenience and by Monday afternoon, normal operations had resumed.

The building is one of the highest in the area. It is the landmark development project of ST Projects, with its social media accounts boasting of spacious offices with a view of Valletta and Manoel Island.