Santa Marija statue remains intact following firework factory explosions

Jun 5 2022

Local social media was captivated by the fact that following several explosions after the 15 t’Awissu fireworks factory exploded, a local statue of Santa Marija remained intact.

The explosions started at around 1515hrs, with other smaller explosions later setting off other ones due to explosive material.

Thankfully no one was grievously injured during the incident, with three men suffering light injuries. Civil Protection, police, medical teams and even the AFM bomb disposal team converged on site to ensure the safety of all.

People were left in awe however by a Santa Marija statue in the vicinity of the explosions which did not suffer any damage. Zebbug local councillor and activist Steve Zammit Lupi even took to social media to point out the occurrence, saying ‘Santa Marija looks over you’.

Some did however point to coincidence for the statue’s preservation, sparking somewhat of a debate on social media. Whatever the case may be, it’s great to see that a piece of sculptural art very at heart to many Maltese still remain intact despite the odds.

We would also like to wish those slightly injured by the explosion a speedy recovery and thank all officials for their hard work to ensure safety of all.

#MaltaDaily

Over 700 monkeypox cases globally but no fatalities

Jun 5 2022

The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that it was aware of over 700 monkeypox cases worldwide. 21 of these were reported in the US, but all patients are in recovery of have recovered.

No cases have been fatal as of yet. 14 are thought to be travel-related whereas 16 of the first 17 cases were among men who have sex with men, the CDC reports.

The rare disease is related to smallpox, but is far less severe an causes a rash that spreads among other symptoms.

The disease is already endemic in western and central Africa, but cases were reported in Europe since May of 2022. Canada also revealed that it has around 77 confirmed cases, all confined to Quebec.

This comes as Superintendent Charmaine Gauci unveils that people with monkeypox are to self-isolate for three weeks (21 days).

#MaltaDaily

Woman grievously injured after being hit by car in Zabbar

Jun 5 2022

A 29-year-old German woman resident of Hal Tarxien had to be taken to Mater Dei Hospital yesterday evening at around 1930hrs.

This was due to a traffic incident in Triq San Anard, Haz-Zabbar. Preliminary investigations showed that the woman was hit by a Honda Fit which was being driven by a 59-year-old Mosta resident.

The victim was given medical assistance and subsequently taken to Mater Dei hospital where she was certified as having suffered grievous injuries.

Police are still investigating the case.

#MaltaDaily

Firefighters tending to grass fire dangerously close to Mgarr harbour

Jun 4 2022

Firefighters have rushed to contain a grass fire in Gozo on Saturday, with footage and photos shared to social media showing the flames veering dangerously close to the Mgarr harbour.

As the island enters the first heatwave of the summer 2022 season, police were notified about the flames at 2pm. No one has been reported injured and the authorities are doing all the can to contain the blaze.

Such grassfires are common in Malta as the heatwaves are known to reach blistering temperatures and winds carrying the blazes further. This is a developing story.

#MaltaDaily