A woman is in critical condition and at risk of dying after a fire erupted in a family home in Mqabba.

Police and emergency responders rushed to Triq il-Karmnu, Mqabba, at around 4.45am this morning after the blaze started, with two people trapped inside the home at first.

The woman, aged 70, and a man, aged 76, were rescued from the burning home and taken by ambulance to Mater Dei Hospital. They were injured as a result of inhaling smoke, with the woman confirmed to be in a serious condition.

The man’s condition is not yet known.

Magistrate Yana Micalled Stafrace has opened an inquiry into the incident.