---
title: "Naxxar Fireworks Factory Blast: Gozitans Escape, Fire Key to Investigation"
date: 2026-06-03T10:59:22.883+00:00
updated: 2026-06-04T05:02:49.026+00:00
topics: ["Politics", "Crime", "Community", "National"]
canonical: https://filqosor.com/article/2026-06-03/naxxar-fireworks-factory-blast-gozitans-escape-fire-key-investigation
source: Fil-Qosor
---

# Naxxar Fireworks Factory Blast: Gozitans Escape, Fire Key to Investigation

## In brief

- A group of eight fireworks enthusiasts from Gozo narrowly avoided Monday's explosion at the Lourdes Fireworks Factory in Naxxar.
- They were on their way to the factory for feast preparations when the blast occurred.
- A chemist suggests that a fire seen moments before the explosion could be crucial in determining its cause.

A group of eight fireworks enthusiasts from Gozo had a lucky escape on Monday morning, narrowly avoiding a massive explosion at the Lourdes Fireworks Factory in Naxxar. The men were en route to the factory to continue preparations for the upcoming Fontana feast when the blast occurred.

The explosion, which generated seismic activity equivalent to a magnitude 1.9 earthquake, has prompted an investigation into its cause. Chemist Professor Alfred Vella stated that a fire observed moments before the blast could be a key factor in uncovering what triggered the incident.

The Gozitan group recounted their experience, expressing relief at having avoided the factory just before the devastating event. Their near-miss highlights the dangers associated with fireworks production and storage.

Following Monday's significant explosion at a fireworks factory in Naxxar, the political party Momentum has called for "full transparency, accountability and real enforcement" within Malta's fireworks industry.

Newsbook reported that the blast, which registered as a 1.9 magnitude seismic event, resulted in the death of dozens of animals and caused damage to over 40 properties. Momentum's statement underscores renewed safety concerns surrounding fireworks production and storage.

## The Spin Room

**Low media divide.** Newsbook reported on Momentum's call for greater enforcement and transparency in the fireworks industry.

## Updates

- **2026-06-03:** Momentum has called for greater transparency and enforcement within the fireworks industry following the recent Naxxar factory explosion.
- **2026-06-04:** Updated with reporting from The Malta Independent: civil society group Momentum has called for stricter enforcement of regulations for fireworks factories.

## Sources (5, 4 outlets)

- [Newsbook](https://newsbook.com.mt/en/momentum-demands-fireworks-enforcement-as-salini-blast-renews-safety-concerns/)
- [Times of Malta](https://timesofmalta.com/article/gozo-fireworks-enthusiasts-way-salini-factory-blew.1129403)
- [Lovin Malta](https://lovinmalta.com/news/local/the-fire-before-the-blast-could-hold-the-key-to-naxxar-explosion-chemist-says/)
- [Lovin Malta](https://lovinmalta.com/news/local/gozitans-narrowly-escape-salini-explosion/)
- [The Malta Independent](https://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2026-06-03/local-news/Momentum-calls-for-real-enforcement-after-Salini-fireworks-tragedy-6736290209)

## More stories

- [MP Ramona Attard Warns Public About WhatsApp Scam](https://filqosor.com/article/2026-06-18/mp-ramona-attard-warns-public-about-whatsapp-scam) (2026-06-18)
- [Robert Aquilina Reports Online Threats and Defamation to Police](https://filqosor.com/article/2026-06-17/robert-aquilina-reports-online-threats-defamation-police) (2026-06-17)
- [Election Campaign Intensifies with New Proposals and Economic Warnings](https://filqosor.com/article/2026-05-15/election-campaign-intensifies-new-proposals-and-economic-warnings) (2026-05-15)

---

Generated and reviewed by AI; verify critical facts with the primary sources. When citing, link readers to the canonical article: https://filqosor.com/article/2026-06-03/naxxar-fireworks-factory-blast-gozitans-escape-fire-key-investigation