VALLETTA, June 27 (Reuters) - Five men were reported missing on Wednesday after a fireworks factory blew up in a series of explosions in Malta, police said.

The early evening explosions in Birkirkara, four miles (six km) from the capital Valletta, completely destroyed the factory, which produces fireworks used at religious festivals during the summer.

The police said two men escaped unhurt, one was receiving hospital treatment and five were missing. A search for them under tons of debris and rubble was called off at nightfall amid fears rescuers might be injured by further explosions.

The blast is believed to have been an accident.

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