A 35-year-old man from Swieqi is at risk of dying after a van explosion in Msida triggered a major emergency response earlier today.The incident happened at around 9.20am in Triq il-Kunċizzjoni, when a white van exploded and burst into flames. Residents reported hearing a loud bang that shook nearby buildings moments before the fire broke out.Videos sent to newsroom shows the sheer intensity of the incident. The clips capture plumes of thick black smoke billowing out of a garage at the site. In another clip, filmed from inside an apartment directly above, flames can be seen rising past a first-floor balcony.The man suffered serious injuries and was rushed to hospital by ambulance for urgent treatment.Authorities evacuated residents from the surrounding building as a precaution, including a bedridden individual who had to be assisted out using cranes due to limited mobility.Civil Protection teams were deployed to bring the fire under control, while the area has since been cordoned off and access restricted as investigations continue.The cause of the explosion remains unclear.Magistrate Monica Borg Galea has been appointed to lead an inquiry, while police investigations are ongoing.•