Man Seriously Injured in 4-Storey Fall Down Lift Shaft in St. Julian’s
Emergency services rushed to a bustling St. Julian’s street today after a man plummeted four storeys down a lift shaft, leaving him seriously injured and raising questions about safety measures in Malta’s rapidly developing high-rise areas.
Man Falls Four Storeys in St. Julian’s
At around 10:30 AM, emergency services received a distress call reporting an accident at a construction site on Triq San Gorg, St. Julian’s. The man, a 35-year-old construction worker, had reportedly fallen through an open lift shaft under construction, tumbling down four storeys before landing on the concrete basement floor.
Rescue Operation and Hospitalisation
Fire and Rescue Services, along with an ambulance crew, quickly arrived at the scene. They found the man conscious but with serious injuries, including multiple fractures and internal bleeding. The rescue team carefully extracted him from the shaft and stabilised his condition before transporting him to Mater Dei Hospital.
Dr. Matthew Pace, a spokesperson for the Medical Association, commented, “Falls from height are one of the leading causes of construction site accidents. They can result in severe injuries and even fatalities. It’s crucial for employers to ensure proper safety measures are in place.”
Safety Concerns in High-Rise Areas
St. Julian’s, known for its high-rise residential and commercial buildings, has seen a surge in construction activity in recent years. However, this latest incident has raised concerns about safety measures in the area. Neighbours and nearby shop owners have expressed worry about the lack of safety barriers and signage around construction sites.
Joseph Muscat, a local resident, told Hot Malta, “We’ve seen several near-misses here. It’s only a matter of time before something worse happens if safety isn’t improved.”
The Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) has launched an investigation into the incident. A spokesperson stated, “We urge all employers to ensure their sites comply with safety regulations. Non-compliance will not be tolerated.”
In the meantime, the construction company involved has suspended work at the site pending the investigation’s outcome. They released a statement expressing their concern for the worker’s well-being and commitment to cooperating with the authorities.
As the investigation continues, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking in Malta’s high-rise construction boom. It underscores the need for stringent safety measures and regular inspections to protect workers and residents alike.
Hot Malta will continue to monitor this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
