In the quiet residential street of Triq il-Kbira in Birkirkara, a sudden, deafening explosion shattered the early morning calm on Tuesday. The blast, heard miles away, through the neighbourhood, leaving residents shaken and a house engulfed in flames.

Eyewitnesses described seeing a fireball erupt from the two-storey house, followed by thick black smoke that filled the sky. “It was like something out of a movie,” said Mario, a nearby resident who wished to be identified only by his first name. “The explosion was so powerful, it shook our windows. We rushed outside to see what happened and saw the house on fire.”

Emergency services arrived swiftly at the scene, with firefighters battling the blaze for over an hour before bringing it under control. The explosion and fire caused significant damage to the house, leaving it uninhabitable. Neighbours were evacuated as a precaution, with some spending hours away from their homes.

Police and Civil Protection Department officials are currently investigating the cause of the explosion. While initial reports suggest it may have been caused by a gas leak, authorities have not ruled out other possibilities. “We’re treating all scenarios until we have definitive evidence,” said a spokesperson for the Civil Protection Department.

Gas supplier Enemalta has confirmed that they are assisting authorities in the investigation. They have also assured customers that their gas supply remains unaffected and that safety measures are in place to prevent similar incidents.

Neighbours have rallied around the affected family, offering support and assistance. “We’ve been bringing them food and clothes,” said Anna, another resident. “They’ve lost everything, but they’re strong. We’re all here for them.”

The family has been temporarily housed in a nearby hotel while they wait for the investigation and insurance claims to be processed. They have expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community.

In the meantime, residents are left wondering what caused the explosion and whether their homes are safe. “We’re all on edge,” said Mario. “We want answers, and we want to know that our homes are safe.”

Enemalta has reminded customers to take precautions to prevent gas-related incidents. “Regularly check your appliances, ensure they’re well-maintained, and never store flammable materials near them,” said a spokesperson. They also urged customers to report any unusual smells or sounds immediately.

The Birkirkara Local Council has also stepped in, promising to work with Enemalta and other authorities to ensure the safety of residents. “We’re doing everything we can to support the affected family and ensure this doesn’t happen again,” said a council spokesperson.