Driver Rescued After Car Bursts into Flames on Lija’s Main Street
Car Goes Up in Flames on Triq l-Imqabba: Motorist Rescued in Dramatic Scene
Imagine this: you’re driving along Triq l-Imqabba, the sun is shining, and then suddenly, your car starts making strange noises. Before you know it, smoke fills the cabin, and your vehicle is engulfed in flames. This was the harrowing experience of a local motorist yesterday afternoon.
Dramatic Rescue on Lija’s Main Street
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the car, a silver Ford Focus, burst into flames near the roundabout on Triq l-Imqabba, Lija, around 3 pm. The driver, a 45-year-old man from nearby Birkirkara, found himself trapped in the burning vehicle. Fortunately, passersby sprang into action, quickly alerting the emergency services and rushing to help the trapped motorist.
“I was walking my dog when I saw the car on fire,” said Maria, a Lija resident who wished to remain anonymous. “I could see the driver was in distress, so I called 112 immediately and tried to calm him down until the firefighters arrived.”
Firefighters Battle Blaze, Rescue Driver
Within minutes, two fire appliances from the Lija and Birkirkara fire stations arrived at the scene. Firefighters, equipped with breathing apparatus, managed to extract the driver from the burning car using hydraulic rescue tools. The driver was then rushed to Mater Dei Hospital, where he was treated for minor injuries and shock.
“The fire was intense, but we managed to contain it quickly,” said a firefighter at the scene. “We’re just glad the driver is okay. It could have been much worse.”
Investigation Underway, Road Closure Causes Traffic Chaos
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but early indications suggest it may have been an electrical fault. The incident led to the temporary closure of Triq l-Imqabba, causing traffic chaos during the evening rush hour. Diversions were put in place, with motorists advised to use alternative routes.
Inspector Ian Abela from the Malta Police Force urged drivers to exercise caution, saying, “Incidents like these serve as a reminder to always ensure your vehicle is in good condition. Regular maintenance can prevent such accidents.”
Community Rallies Around Driver
News of the incident spread quickly on social media, with many expressing their relief that the driver was rescued safely. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the driver replace his car and cover any medical expenses. As of writing, it has already raised over €1,000.
“This could have happened to anyone,” said one donor. “I’m just glad he’s okay. I hope the community can come together to support him during this difficult time.”
