A 79-year-old man suspected of mixing chemicals used in fireworks at his Mqabba home was last night fighting for his life in hospital after an explosion.
Police sources said Nicholas Ghigo may have been mixing chemicals used in ġigġifogu, ground fireworks, which had been his and his brothers’ passion since childhood.
Police said in a statement the “explosion” happened at around 1.30pm in Parish Street.
Mr Ghigo suffered burns in his hands, feet and chest before managing to escape the blaze and staggering to the police station next door for help. He was subsequently rushed to hospital.
He had already been injured in a similar incident in 1975, suffering burns to 32 per cent of his body while mixing colours.
Mr Ghigo’s son Michael, who lived in the same village, was alerted to the fire by neighbours.
He rushed to his father’s residence, where he said he found “a small fire blazing in the yard”. His father had already been taken to hospital by the time he arrived.
According to Mr Ghigo’s son, the carpet, some wire extension cords and a crate of onions were on fire. Possessing experience in fire fighting, he managed to put out the fire.
He claimed he had no idea what might have...
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