Naxxar Residents Evacuated as Construction Site Collapses

In the early hours of Tuesday, the quiet streets of Naxxar were shattered by the ominous rumble of a collapsing construction site. Ten families, still groggy from their sleep, were abruptly evacuated from their homes as fears of further collapse through the peaceful town.

Scene at the Collapse Site

As dawn broke over Triq l-Imqades, the once bustling construction site now lay in a heap of rubble, its skeletal framework a stark reminder of the night’s events. Neighbours watched in disbelief as emergency services cordoned off the area, their faces etched with concern for their fellow residents.

“I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Mario, a long-time Naxxar resident who wished to remain anonymous. “One minute everything was quiet, the next, it was like an earthquake hit our street.”

Evacuated Families Find Temporary Shelter

Ten families, totaling 35 individuals, were promptly evacuated to the nearby Naxxar Parish Centre. The Red Cross, along with local volunteers, swiftly provided blankets, food, and emotional support to the displaced residents.

“We’re grateful for the quick response from the authorities and volunteers,” said Anna, a mother of two who was evacuated from her home. “It’s scary to think what could have happened if we hadn’t been moved out in time.”

Investigation Launched into Cause of Collapse

In the wake of the collapse, the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) has launched an investigation into the cause of the incident. The site, owned by local construction company Xtruda Ltd, was reportedly under construction for a new apartment block.

OHSA Inspector, Joseph Xuereb, stated, “We’re treating this as a high priority. Our team is currently on-site, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses to determine the cause of the collapse.”

Xtruda Ltd has declined to comment pending the outcome of the investigation.

Lessons Learned and

While the cause of the collapse remains under investigation, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures in construction sites. Naxxar Local Council has already begun discussions with OHSA to review and strengthen safety regulations in the town.

“We can’t afford to let our guard down,” said Naxxar Mayor, Doris Vella. “The safety of our residents is our top priority. We’ll be working closely with OHSA to ensure that all construction sites in Naxxar adhere to the highest safety standards.”

As for the evacuated families, they remain resilient in the face of adversity. “We’re just grateful that no one was hurt,” said Anna. “We’ll get through this together, as a community.”