Chaos in Valletta: Seven Injured as Driver Plows into Pedestrians

Emergency services rushed to Republic Street in Valletta today, as a driver lost control of their vehicle and plowed into a group of pedestrians. The incident, which occurred around noon, left seven people injured, including a child.

Scene of Horror in Heart of Malta’s Capital

Witnesses described scenes of chaos as the car, a silver Ford Focus, mounted the pavement and crashed into a group of people enjoying their lunch break. The driver, a 35-year-old man from Msida, was immediately apprehended by bystanders until police arrived.

“I was having lunch outside my office when I heard a loud screech,” said Mario Debono, a witness. “The car just came flying towards us. It was sheer panic. I managed to push my colleague out of the way, but others weren’t so lucky.”

Seven Injured, Including Child

Paramedics from the Maltese Red Cross attended to the injured, treating them at the scene before transporting five to Mater Dei Hospital. Two others, including a 10-year-old child, were taken to St. Luke’s Hospital in Pieta.

Superintendent of Police, Ray Micallef, confirmed that the driver was under the influence of alcohol. “We are treating this as a case of dangerous driving and drink-driving,” he said. “The driver has been arrested and will be appearing in court soon.”

Valletta Businesses React

The incident has through Valletta’s business community. Shop owners and restaurant managers have expressed their concern and called for increased safety measures in the city center.

“This is a wake-up call,” said Joe Borg, owner of Borg’s Bakery on Republic Street. “We need to do more to ensure the safety of our customers and visitors. This could have been much worse.”

Malta’s Prime Minister, Robert Abela, has expressed his condolences to the victims and their families. “Our thoughts are with those injured and their families,” he said. “We will do everything in our power to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.”

This is the second such incident in Valletta this year, raising questions about pedestrian safety in the capital. The Malta Police Force has announced that it will be stepping up patrols in the city center in response to the incident.

Hot Malta will continue to follow this story as more information becomes available.