A Gambian worker was crushed to death while carrying out repair work on a fuel tank in Malta. 

The man identified as Amadou Suwareh from Baddibu Kerewan was killed after being trapped between the roof of a fuel tank and a cherry picker while he was carrying out blasting work.

The tragedy happened on Tuesday (21 December) at around 12.15pm in a worksite in Ħal-Spatan, Malta. 

Suwareh, 46, was working there after being hired by a private contractor, local media reports. 

Local magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit has opened an inquiry into the accident, while police are investigating the case as officials from the Occupational Health and Safety Authority are also expected to investigate what happened.

This death comes just months after a migrant worker was dumped on the side of the road after suffering a workplace accident in Mellieħa. 

Meanwhile members of the Gambian community as well as other migrant communities sent their condolences to his family. 

“May Allah have mercy on his soul and grant him eternal peace in heaven, and may his family have the fortitude to bear the lost of their loved one,” said one person online.

“Of late there have been many reports of this kind of accident, which is alarming,” said another person. “If the employers do not put safety precautions as a priority, our fellow country men must, to safe their own lives.”

Gambiana sends its heartfelt condolences to the Suwareh family during this difficult time.