Two Workers Plummet Down Sliema Apartment Block Shaft
In the heart of Sliema, a bustling town on Malta’s northeast coast, a chilling incident unfolded yesterday morning. Two workers, employed by a local construction company, plummeted down an open shaft at an apartment block under construction on Tower Road. The incident, which occurred around 9 am, through the usually vibrant street, leaving residents and passersby stunned.
Rescue Operation Launched
Emergency services, including the Malta Police Force and Civil Protection Department, swiftly responded to the scene. Firefighters, equipped with specialist rescue gear, abseiled down the shaft to reach the injured workers. The operation, which lasted approximately an hour, was a race against time, with rescuers battling against the clock to extract the men from the 15-meter deep shaft.
Workers Hospitalized
The two workers, both Maltese nationals, were rushed to Mater Dei Hospital following the incident. Their conditions were initially described as critical, but later stabilized. As of press time, one worker remains in the intensive care unit, while the other has been transferred to a ward. The identities of the workers have not been disclosed, and their families have requested privacy during this difficult time.
Investigation Underway
The incident has sparked an investigation by the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA). Inspectors have sealed off the site, and a full investigation is underway. Preliminary reports suggest that the shaft, which was meant to accommodate the building’s elevator, was left uncovered, leading to the tragic accident. The construction company, based in Birkirkara, has issued a statement expressing their condolences and promising full cooperation with the authorities.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by workers in the construction industry. According to the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, the construction sector has one of the highest rates of fatal injuries across all industries in Europe. In Malta, the OHSA has been working tirelessly to improve safety standards, but incidents like this underscore the ongoing challenge.
Hot Malta will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, our thoughts are with the injured workers and their families during this challenging time.
