Emotional Reunion Between Sliema Crash Survivor and Officers Who Rushed to Help
A man recovering from a serious traffic accident has met the two Malta Police Force officers who came to his aid during a critical moment in Sliema.
PC2186 K. Scicluna and PC1113 R. Tonna, both stationed within the Road Policing Unit, recently visited Maurice Galea at Mater Dei Hospital.
It was their first meeting since the accident on 6 May 2026.
Officers Used a Belt to Control the Bleeding
The two officers were on patrol when people nearby signalled for them to stop.
After leaving their vehicle, they found Maurice trapped between a car and the vehicle from which he had been unloading goods.
Realising that he was bleeding heavily, the officers used a belt as an improvised tourniquet around his leg while waiting for medical assistance.
According to the Malta Police Force, Maurice recognised both officers during their reunion and thanked them for their immediate response. He told them that their quick action may have prevented him from losing his life.
Accident Happened on The Strand
The accident occurred at around 7.30am in Triq ix-Xatt, Sliema.
Initial police information said that Maurice, a 57-year-old resident of St Paul’s Bay, was unloading goods from an Isuzu Elf when he was struck by another vehicle. He was taken by ambulance to Mater Dei Hospital with serious injuries.
Maurice later explained that he had been closing the vehicle’s rear shutter when the impact occurred. He was only around an hour into the first day of a trial shift at a new job.
A Long Road to Recovery
Maurice suffered severe injuries to both legs.
His left leg, which was badly damaged during the collision, was later amputated. His right leg also required extensive treatment, including reconstructive procedures using muscle and skin grafts. He spent time in intensive care and underwent several operations following the accident.
Despite the difficult recovery ahead, the recent hospital visit gave him an opportunity to personally thank the officers who helped him during the first moments after the impact.
After discussing the accident and his recovery, the conversation reportedly moved to a lighter subject, the World Cup.
Quick Thinking in a Critical Moment
The Malta Police Force praised PC Scicluna and PC Tonna for their professionalism and commitment.
Their response shows how important immediate first aid can be while an ambulance is on its way. In this case, a simple belt and the officers’ ability to act calmly helped control serious bleeding during a life-threatening emergency.
The meeting at Mater Dei was an emotional one, bringing Maurice face to face with two of the people who stood beside him during one of the most difficult moments of his life.
