The devastating incident occurred when an RAF Avro Vulcan bomber, which was a key strategic asset for the British Royal Air Force, encountered severe difficulties as it attempted to land at the Malta International Airport. The aircraft, renowned for its distinctive delta wing design, had reportedly been experiencing technical issues prior to the landing attempt. As the crew made the decision to abort the landing, the aircraft suffered an explosion shortly after, crashing in the populated area of Żabbar.

Rescue and emergency services responded quickly to the scene, but sadly, the impact led to the death of five crew members, showcasing the inherent risks associated with military aviation. Additionally, a local civilian lost their life due to the explosion and debris. The incident sparked concerns over aviation safety protocols and emergency response strategies within military operations.

In the aftermath, investigations were conducted to determine the cause of the crash and to assess the safety measures in place for military flights, especially in densely populated areas. This tragic event raised public awareness about the potential dangers of military aircraft operations and reinforced the need for stringent regulatory measures.