Health and safety standards surrounding carnival celebrations in Valletta were significantly increased this year – with participants speculating that the changes were made in light of the failings that led to the Paqpaqli crash last year.
Several carnival company members told the Times of Malta their floats had been checked on numerous occasions to ensure the drivers had all the appropriate licences and that measures like first aid kits and gravel to spread in case of oil spills were all in place.
Many also said they had been subjected to breathalyser tests and had their floats searched for alcohol. In previous years, participants said, checks were carried out only occasionally – if at all – and breathalyser tests made only if people were visibly drunk.
One participant, however, said that despite being advised early on that no drinking would be allowed on the float, this rule was later softened to allow drinking “within limit”. This newspaper also saw a number of floats with alcoholic drinks stored on board.
Meanwhile, organisers said the number of ambulances and fire engines around Valletta had been increased, while crowd barriers were installed at several points along the...
