Five spectators who were among those hospitalised after yesterday's Paqpaqli car crash were discharged from hospital today and the condition of a further two is under review, Parliamentary Secretary for Health Chris Fearne said this afternoon. 

Four remain in the IT of whom two are in critical condition. The condition of a six-year-old child, who had been in critical condition, has improved, as has her mother's. They are no longer in critical condition.

Six spectators are awaiting surgery. 

Dr Fearne said some 100 people had been given psychological help at Mater Dei after having witnessed yesterday's tragedy.

He explained how coordination between different departments brought together during the Ebola simulation exercises, as well as seminars with medical experts from Haifa, Israel, in mass casualty situations meant the medical emergency services had proved to be well prepared. 

A total of 28 persons were treated in hospital and health centres yesterday, of whom there had been 13 in hospital this morning.  The injuries are mostly head, chest and fractures. 

Dr Fearne thanked medical staff, saying activity at the hospital's Casualty Department had continued smoothly. It was fortunate, he said, that the number of cubicles was doubled some months ago, and therefore normal activity was not hindered. 

Read more in tomorrow's print edition of Times of Malta