Emergency services rushed to the Birkirkara Industrial Estate this morning following a scaffolding collapse at the Recycle Malta facility. The incident, which occurred around 10 am, left several workers injured, with two requiring hospitalization.

Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with debris scattered across the yard and workers rushing to assist their colleagues. The collapsed scaffolding, which was being used for maintenance work on the facility’s tall chimney, came crashing down, causing significant damage to nearby equipment.

“I was inside the office when we heard this loud crash,” said a shaken Recycle Malta employee who wished to remain anonymous. “We ran out to see what happened and found our colleagues trapped under the scaffolding. It was a scary moment.”

Fire and rescue services, along with an ambulance, arrived at the scene within minutes. They worked swiftly to free the trapped workers and provide medical assistance. Two workers, both men in their 30s, were rushed to Mater Dei Hospital with suspected broken limbs and minor internal injuries. Their conditions are stable.

The remaining workers were evacuated from the facility as a precaution while investigators from the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) began their probe into the cause of the collapse.

In a statement released shortly after the incident, Recycle Malta expressed its concern for the injured workers and pledged full cooperation with the ongoing investigation. “The safety of our workers is our top priority,” the statement read. “We are committed to ensuring that our facilities meet the highest safety standards.”

This is not the first time Recycle Malta has faced safety-related issues. In 2019, the company was fined €15,000 by OHSA for failing to provide adequate safety measures at its Marsa facility.

According to OHSA, falls from height remain one of the most common causes of workplace injuries and fatalities in Malta. In 2020, the authority reported 168 accidents involving falls from height, with 17 resulting in serious injuries.

“This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety in the workplace,” said Dr. Duncan Montebello, OHSA’s Chief Executive Officer. “Employers must ensure that their workers are properly trained and that all safety measures are in place.”

Recycle Malta has announced that it will remain closed until further notice while investigators continue their probe. The company has also pledged to review its safety protocols and ensure that all necessary measures are in place to prevent such incidents in the future.

“Our thoughts are with the injured workers and their families,” said a company spokesperson. “We will do everything in our power to ensure that this never happens again.”