Dr Joseph Vancell

Yet another fireworks factory blast and more lives lost! The youngest a 21-year old enthusiast. When will this carnage be stopped? Should amatuers and dilettantes be allowed to work in these 'factories'? Why are these factories blasting off so oftenly? Surely the so-called fireworks factories in Malta, or the personnel working within, are not up to scratch in terms of health and safety measures.


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Despite the beauty of fireworks displays the risks of production of same fireworks remains very high as the frequency of explosions and death manifest. I am in no position to judge the talents and skills of the fireworks enthusiasts who work in these 'kmamar tan-nar', yet, since they are working in such high-risk conditions (for themselves and third parties), shouldn't the authorities ensure they have basic training and/or technical qualifications in handling explosive material? I'm sure that, for example, army personnel composing the bomb ordinance unit (or whatever it's called) have been professionally trained, and are constantly updating and upgrading their knowledge and skills to handle dangerous substances and artefacts.

Above all ... the 'kamra tan-nar' is ominously close to the tal-Handaq Junior Lyceum.