Naxxar Residents Return Home After False Alarm: ‘We’re Just Glad It’s Over’

NAXXAR, Malta – The eerie silence of Triq l-Għar il-Kbir was shattered last Tuesday as a sudden rumble echoed through the narrow street. Panic ensued as residents feared the worst – a recurrence of the 2019 collapse that left homes in ruins. But this time, it was a false alarm. Today, residents are finally returning to their homes, relief etched on their faces.

False Alarm Causes Evacuation Frenzy

At around 11 am, a loud rumble through the quiet Naxxar street. Within minutes, police and civil protection officials were on the scene, evacuating residents from their homes. The fear was palpable, with many recalling the 2019 collapse that left several homes uninhabitable.

“I was in my kitchen when I heard the noise,” said Maria, a long-time resident who wished to withhold her last name. “It brought back memories of three years ago. I grabbed my cat and ran out without even locking the door.”

Investigation Reveals False Alarm

After hours of investigation, officials revealed that the noise was not caused by a building collapse but a gas leak from an old pipe. The leak was quickly contained, and no injuries were reported. However, the scare was real, and residents were left shaken.

“We understand the fear,” said Inspector Joe Borg of the Malta Police. “Given the history of this street, we had to err on the side of caution. We’re just glad it was a false alarm.”

Residents Return Home, Cautiously Optimistic

By late afternoon, residents were allowed to return to their homes. The street was a flurry of activity as neighbors hugged, shared stories, and helped each other carry belongings back inside.

“We’re just glad it’s over,” said Tony, another resident. “We’ve been through too much already. But we’re strong, we’ll get through this too.”

As the sun set over Triq l-Għar il-Kbir, a sense of normalcy began to return. But the fear is not entirely gone. Residents are calling for better communication and more frequent checks to ensure their safety.

“We need to be sure this won’t happen again,” said Maria. “We’ve been through enough. Our homes, our street, our community – we’ve earned some peace.”