Fire Guts Derelict Paceville Nightclub

In the wee hours of Tuesday morning, a fire broke out at the derelict former nightclub, La Luna, in Paceville, sending plumes of smoke into the night sky and causing a stir among nearby residents and revellers.

Firefighters Battle Blaze at Abandoned Venue

The Malta Fire Authority (MFA) received the call at around 3:30 AM, dispatching multiple vehicles to the scene. Upon arrival, firefighters found the building engulfed in flames, with the fire spreading rapidly due to the club’s disrepair and the abundance of flammable materials inside.

It took firefighters over two hours to bring the blaze under control, with the last of the flames finally extinguished just before 6 AM. No injuries were reported, but the building sustained significant damage, with the roof collapsing in on itself at one point.

Residents and Business Owners Concerned

News of the fire spread quickly among local residents and business owners, many of whom have long called for the derelict club to be demolished for safety reasons. “It’s only a matter of time before something like this happens again,” said one resident, who wished to remain anonymous. “We’ve been asking the authorities to do something about this eyesore for years.”

Local business owners echoed these sentiments, with some expressing concern about the potential impact on their businesses. “Tourists see this and think it’s a reflection of Malta as a whole,” said a nearby bar owner. “It’s not good for business, and it’s not good for our image.”

Investigation Underway

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but early indications suggest it may have been started deliberately. Police have cordoned off the area and are treating the fire as suspicious. Anyone with information is urged to contact the police on 119.

This is not the first time La Luna has made headlines for all the wrong reasons. The once-popular nightclub has been closed for over a decade, but its derelict shell has remained, becoming a magnet for squatters, drug users, and other unsavoury elements. Despite repeated calls for action, the building remains standing, a stark reminder of Paceville’s more turbulent past.

In the meantime, residents and business owners can only hope that this latest incident will finally prompt the authorities to take decisive action. “We just want to feel safe in our homes and our businesses,” said one resident. “And we can’t do that with this dangerous eyesore still standing.”