Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1545385
THE Lourdes Fireworks Fac- tory in Salini, obliterated in an explosion that grabbed world headlines, had yet to start works to comply with safe- ty standards, MaltaToday has learnt. The factory was only regular- ised by the Planning Authority last year following a lengthy process that started in 2018 after a fatal explosion. The Building and Construction Au- thority's authorisation to com- mence works was issued on 21 May, just days before the latest explosion. Industry sources told MaltaToday the Lourdes Fireworks Factory remained operational in the period be- tween the 2018 explosion and the recent blast. During this period a number of safe- ty deficiencies were identified by a technical committee that evaluat- ed the complex as part of the planning process. The technical committee re- sponsible for assessing the safety aspects of the application was composed of Chief Assistance and Rescue Officer Natalino Bezzina from the Civil Protec- tion Department, Lieutenant Patrick Vella from the Armed Forces of Malta, and Carmelo Briffa. YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW WWW.MALTATODAY.COM.MT SUNDAY 14 JUNE 2026 • ISSUE 1389 • PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY maltatoday €2.20 Fireworks factory was awaiting safety upgrade when it exploded After a fatal explosion in 2018, Salini fireworks factory had to become compliant with safety rules but it continued operating while a technical committee evaluated an application to sanction and upgrade the complex JAMES DEBONO & KURT SANSONE jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt ksansone@mediatoday.com.mt Fighting for equality PN's choice Butterfly migration The painted lady pays Malta a visit Equality practitioner Silvan Agius says queer people just want to live their life The PN's broad church and the civil rights conundrum INTERVIEW MT2 PAGES 6-7 PAGE 8 CONTINUES PAGE 3 The remnants of the only room left standing after the Salini fireworks factory explosion and a photo (inset) of the blast that made the rounds internationally. (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday)