People thought a bombing had started: a massive explosion occurred in a resort area of Malta

An unexpected emergency has shaken a popular resort in Malta. A fireworks factory in the Salina area has exploded, causing panic and the evacuation of local residents. The shockwave swept across half the island. Find out all the details and the timeline of events

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On the morning of 1 June, Malta was rocked by a major incident: a powerful explosion (Watch the full video of the explosion on our Telegram channel) occurred in the popular resort area of Salina. The incident took place at the Lourdes Fireworks Factory. A huge cloud of thick smoke rose into the air, visible from almost anywhere on the island.

Fireworks factory explosion in Malta: details

According to the Times of Malta, the initial powerful explosion triggered a chain reaction — a series of smaller detonations at the factory continued for several more hours. The shockwave was so powerful that it was clearly felt by residents not only in the north but also in the central part of the country.

The authorities responded swiftly to the threat and organised the evacuation of residents in the area. Local eyewitnesses describe the shock they experienced with horror. One witness told Malta Today that the shockwave was terrifying: it literally made hair stand on end and trees shake. Due to the suddenness and power of the explosion, panic broke out among pets, and some people initially thought a bombing had begun.

See also: Emigrating to Malta: how can Ukrainians move there in 2026?

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Casualties from the explosion in Malta: are there any victims?

Despite the serious damage to buildings located near the factory, a major tragedy was avoided. The local police have officially stated that there were no human fatalities.

Two men who were working in neighbouring fields at the time of the explosion were taken to hospital — they sustained only minor injuries. However, preliminary reports suggest that several farm animals were killed as a result of the incident.

It is worth noting that the Lourdes Fireworks Factory has previously been in the news: in 2018, a similar explosion occurred at the same site, injuring two men.

❗️ An important reminder for travellers: incidents like this in peaceful resorts prove that emergencies can strike completely out of the blue!

The golden rule of safety for any trip is a reliable insurance policy. You can take out trusted medical insurance for Ukrainians abroad in just a few clicks on the Visit Ukraine portal. This is your guarantee that, in the event of injuries, accidents or health problems, you will receive prompt medical assistance without facing unexpected and huge medical bills.

What should you do in the event of an emergency in Malta?

If you are on the island and find yourself in an emergency situation, you must first move to a safe distance from the scene and strictly follow the instructions of the local emergency services (the single emergency number in Malta is 112).

In the event of injury or a threat to health, contact your insurance company immediately via the assistance number. 

Reminder! Airport delays are increasing across Europe due to the EES system, and Ryanair is threatening to cancel flights to Malta. Find out what’s happening, what the risks are for travellers, and how to prepare for your trip.

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