GŻIRA — A major construction scare disrupted the morning commute in Gżira after a massive scaffolding structure collapsed directly into the middle of Reggie Miller Street, completely blocking off the road.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:30 AM of Friday, June 26, 2026 near Zammit Clapp Hospital. Emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene, sparking fears of potential casualties given the density of the area. However, the Malta Police Force and site officials have since confirmed that, miraculously, no injuries were reported.

The metal scaffolding structure gave way while workers were actively dismantling it. The site is currently undergoing demolition works on a block of older apartments to clear the way for a new 12-unit residential project by developer AGB Holdings.

The sudden collapse sent heavy metal poles crashing across the asphalt, rendering the busy road entirely impassable.

Members of the Civil Protection Department (CPD) rushed to the scene to secure the area and ensure no pedestrians or motorists were trapped beneath the tangled web of metal.

Transport Malta officials quickly cordoned off the street, diverting traffic away from the Zammit Clapp area, which caused localized gridlock during the tail-end of the morning rush hour.

Speaking shortly after the incident, developer Alan Bonnici stressed that the absolute priority was the safety of the public and the workers. "We are working diligently to resolve the problem," Bonnici stated, adding that "the most important thing was that no one was hurt."

While the immediate threat has passed, the incident has naturally reignited local anxieties surrounding construction safety standards.

Officials from the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) arrived on-site to launch a thorough inquiry into the incident. In a joint statement released by the authorities, they noted that preliminary checks confirmed both the developer and the contractor held all the necessary, valid permits required for the demolition and dismantling works.

They further stated that active clean-up operations are currently underway under the strict supervision of safety officers to safely dismantle the remaining wreckage, clear the scattered debris, and reopen Reggie Miller Street to regular traffic as quickly as possible.

An official investigation remains open to determine exactly what structural or procedural failure caused the scaffolding to twist and give way.