Carnival loses a float champion

A long-time carnival enthusiast lost his life early yesterday morning after a pipe exploded in a boiler room at the Buġibba Hotel. Charles Axisa, 59, known as il-Landa, was working late at the hotel when the explosion occurred. He was struck on the side of the head, investigating sources told The Times. The incident happened just before 11.45pm on Tuesday. The father of four from Valletta, who was in charge of maintenance work at the hotel, was rushed to hospital but died soon afterwards. Another man was in the room and was treated for slight injuries on site. Mr Axisa’s death came as a huge shock to his family, friends and carnival enthusiasts. Jason Busuttil, president of the Carnival Participants Association, who has known him for many years, described him as a “very happy person” who fought hard for the rights of carnival enthusiasts. A veteran float-builder, Mr Axisa had been involved in the making of floats and the organisation of the annual three-day carnival costume and dance activities. “For the past 17 years he took care of designing and building King Carnival and he was also association secretary,” said Mr Busuttil. “It’s such as great loss – we spoke over the phone...