Chamber of architects chief raises questions on demolition of collapse site
The demolition of the Corradino building where Jean Paul Sofia was killed is “not normal compared to previous cases”, according to Andre Pizzuto, president of the Chamber of Architects.
Sofia was killed and five other workers were injured when a multi-storey building partially collapsed during roofing works. The whole building is now a heap of rubble.
The demolition of the building, that was still under construction, was flagged by activist Wayne Flask in a Facebook post yesterday morning. Flask published photos showing that all that remains of the structure are large mounds of rubble.
It is unclear when the structure was taken down, although this appears to have already been the case by early
March when the opposition held a press conference at the site.
In comments to Times of Malta, Pizzuto pointed to previous instances of building collapses such as that which killed Miriam Pace in 2020, arguing that such sites are usually sealed off and untouched while investigations are under way.
In his post, Flask questioned why the building was demolished, speculating that the delay in the magisterial inquiry into the accident could be down to the site having been tampered with.
Like Pizzuto, Flask also drew comparisons to the collapse of Pace’s home, highlighting the fact that the courts had found that machinery had been moved the day following the accident in an attempt to mislead investigators.
Although it is unclear who gave the order for the site to be demolished, Pizzuto said he “hoped” that this was done with the blessing of the magistrate conducting the inquiry.
“If this was done in breach of the magistrate’s authority, then this is very serious and may require criminal action,” he said.
In reply to questions, the police told Times of Malta that “as in any other magisterial inquiry, all actions are taken under the strict orders of the inquiring magistrate. The police assist in the proceedings of the magisterial inquiry”.
Pizzuto also had harsh words for what he described as the “unacceptable” pressure being placed on the magistrate.
“The magistrate needs time to carry out all the necessary investigations without the undue pressure being placed on her.”
Prime Minister Robert Abela recently wrote to Chief Justice Mark Chetcuti asking him to ensure that the magisterial inquiry is concluded as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, Sofia’s mother has continued to call for a public inquiry into the accident that caused her son’s death.
Abela is insisting that a public inquiry is not needed since a magisterial inquiry is underway.
Aside from the magisterial inquiry, police investigations into the accident are also underway, although it is unclear what stage they have reached.
“Unclear who gave the order for the site to be demolished