Ten Families Evacuated as Naxxar Construction Site Collapses

In the quiet Maltese town of Naxxar, a construction site on Triq San Gorg Preca has become a scene of chaos and concern. Yesterday, around 10:00 AM, a section of the site’s retaining wall came crashing down, prompting emergency services to evacuate ten families from their homes.

Wall Collapse Sparks Evacuation

The collapse of the wall, which was part of a ongoing construction project, through the usually peaceful residential area. Neighbors watched in horror as the wall gave way, sending debris flying and raising fears of further collapse. The Maltese Civil Protection Department swiftly swung into action, evacuating ten families from their homes as a precautionary measure.

“We were just having breakfast when we heard this loud rumble,” said Maria, a resident who wished to be identified only by her first name. “We rushed out to see what was happening, and that’s when we saw the wall had collapsed. It was scary, especially with our children in the house.”

Investigation Launched

The incident has sparked an investigation by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA), which has temporarily halted all work on the site. The developer, local construction firm Xandru Developments, has issued a statement expressing their regret for the incident and assuring full cooperation with authorities.

MEPA has confirmed that the investigation will focus on the structural integrity of the wall and the safety measures in place during the construction work. “Safety is our top priority,” said a spokesperson for MEPA. “We will leave no stone unturned in our investigation to ensure that this does not happen again.”

Residents Await Resolution

As the investigation continues, the evacuated families are staying with relatives or in temporary accommodation provided by the local council. They await news of when they can return to their homes, hoping that the incident will not delay the completion of their new houses.

“We just want to go back to our normal lives,” said another resident, who wished to remain anonymous. “We’ve been through a lot, but we’re hopeful that this will be resolved soon.”

In the meantime, the incident has raised questions about safety standards on construction sites and the impact of such incidents on local communities. It serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures and regular inspections to prevent such incidents from happening.

As the investigation continues, Hot Malta will keep you updated on the latest developments in this story.