Records indicate that pyrotechnics deaths in Malta date back to at least 1882. Still, we do not seem to have learnt much from such tragic experiences. The last days of November claimed another life: Leonard Camilleri, 64, died in a fireworks explosion in Kirkop. A 45-year-old colleague who was also inside the plant had a lucky escape though he required hospital treatment. It was the second such accident this year. Known to be a keen fireworks enthusiast, the deceased was the factory’s licence holder for a number of years. He had been injured in a similar accident 10 years ago and ‘retired’ for some time. But his passion for pyrotechnics lured him back. Like him, many others keep returning to the many fireworks factories dotted across the Maltese islands knowing full well the danger they face. It is perhaps useless for the rest of us to try to understand this strong passion. However, we should be demanding explanations as to why such tragedies keep recurring. Is it lack of a proper legal framework? Is there a dearth of properly trained people who manufacture and deal with fireworks? Could it be a matter of insufficient enforcement and irregular on-site inspections? True, they are...
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