Two Workers Plunge Down Birkirkara Apartment Block Shaft
Two men, both Maltese, were left fighting for their lives today after plummeting down an open shaft at a construction site in Birkirkara. The incident, which occurred around midday at a site on Triq San Gorg Preca, through the local community and raised serious questions about safety standards in the construction industry.
Rescue Operation
The two workers, both in their 30s, were rushed to Mater Dei Hospital after being pulled from the 10-meter deep shaft by emergency services. They were found with severe injuries, including broken limbs and internal bleeding. The rescue operation, which involved firefighters and Civil Protection volunteers, took over two hours as they had to navigate the narrow, dark shaft.
Site Evacuated, Investigation Launched
Following the incident, the construction site was immediately evacuated, and work was suspended pending an investigation by the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA). Neighbours reported seeing the workers’ colleagues looking visibly shaken and distressed as they left the site. The site, owned by local developer Joseph Portelli, has been the subject of complaints from residents about safety measures in the past.
The incident comes amidst growing concerns about safety standards in the Maltese construction industry. According to OHSA statistics, there were 275 reported accidents in the construction sector in 2020 alone, with many more likely going unreported. Trade unions have been calling for stricter enforcement of safety regulations and tougher penalties for violations.
In the meantime, the local community is rallying around the injured workers. “It’s a miracle they’re alive,” said one neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous. “We’ve been saying for years that something like this would happen if they didn’t improve safety. Now it has, and it’s two families who are paying the price.”
Call for Stricter Safety Measures
Reacting to the incident, the General Workers’ Union (GWU) called for an urgent review of safety measures in the construction industry. “This is not an isolated incident,” said GWU’s construction sector representative, Joe Gasan. “We need to see stricter enforcement of safety regulations, better training for workers, and tougher penalties for employers who cut corners.”
For now, the focus is on the two injured workers, who remain in critical but stable condition. Their families have asked for privacy as they face this difficult time. The local community, meanwhile, is calling for change, hoping that this tragic incident will serve as a wake-up call for the industry.
