Explosion at fireworks factory in northern Malta injures two, damages nearby buildings

An explosion at the Ta' Lourdes fireworks factory in northern Malta on June 1, 2026, injured two men working in nearby fields and caused widespread property damage. The blast shattered windows, damaged farms, and killed livestock. No workers were in the factory, which also exploded in 2018. The cause is unknown, and local farmers may not receive insurance compensation for lost animals.

Maghtab fireworks factory explosion

• ▪A powerful explosion occurred at the Ta' Lourdes fireworks factory in Maghtab, northern Malta, on June 1, 2026
• ▪The cause of the explosion is not yet known
• ▪No workers were present at the factory at the time of the explosions
• ▪A first blast occurred at about 6:35 am and was followed by a second powerful one
• ▪Prime Minister Robert Abela said authorities were dispatched to assist those affected by the explosion

Hospitalized workers

• ▪Two men, aged 47 and 67, were hospitalized with minor injuries after the blast occurred while they were in nearby fields
• ▪The injured men were treated for shock and light injuries

Shattered windows across Malta

• ▪The explosion shook buildings and shattered windows, with the blast heard several kilometers away
• ▪Several farms in the area suffered structural damage from the explosion

Impact on local agriculture

• ▪The factory is located in an agricultural zone, and the blast killed livestock including birds, rabbits, and dairy cows
• ▪The MaYA (Malta Youth in Agriculture) Foundation stated that most insurance companies would not compensate farmers for lost livestock
• ▪The MaYA Foundation said affected farmers need both psychological and financial support

2018 factory explosion history

• ▪The same Ta' Lourdes factory also exploded in 2018
• ▪The 2018 explosion left two people seriously injured and four others with light injuries