Scaffolding Collapse in Gżira: Driver’s Terrifying Escape
Imagine this: You’re driving down Gżira’s Triq San Ġorġ, a street you’ve cruised countless times, when suddenly, the towering scaffolding ahead starts to sway. Your heart pounds as you watch in slow motion, helpless, as it comes crashing down, mere metres from your car. This was the terrifying reality for a local driver last week.
Scaffolding Collapse in Gżira
The incident occurred on the evening of Tuesday, 15th February, near the corner of Triq San Ġorġ and Triq l-Imqabba. The scaffolding, which had been erected for ongoing construction work on a nearby building, gave way without warning, sending shockwaves through the quiet residential area.
No Injuries, But Shock and Damage
Miraculously, no one was injured in the collapse. However, the incident left residents shaken and caused significant damage to several vehicles parked nearby. The force of the impact also shattered windows in adjacent buildings, with debris scattered across the street.
Residents React: “It Happened So Fast”
Local resident Maria Azzopardi, who witnessed the incident from her balcony, described the scene as “terrifying.” She said, “It happened so fast. One moment the scaffolding was there, the next it was on the street. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.”
Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed concern about the safety of the construction work in the area. “We’ve seen a lot of construction going on lately, and while it’s necessary, we need to ensure it’s done safely. This could have been much worse,” they said.
Investigation Underway
The incident is currently under investigation by the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA). In a statement, OHSA confirmed that they had launched an investigation into the cause of the collapse and would be working with the construction company involved.
Hot Malta reached out to the construction company for comment, but they declined to provide a statement at this time.
In the meantime, residents of Gżira are left to pick up the pieces, both literally and metaphorically. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety in construction work, not just for the workers, but for the community as a whole.
