Here is the full statement released by his legal team:

“Perit Wallace Farrugia expresses his deep concern following the recent collapse of the building known as Tanya Flats, located on Paceville Road, St. Julian’s.

At this stage, investigations by the relevant authorities are ongoing. Any speculation regarding the cause of the collapse is premature and risks misleading the public. It is essential that the investigative process be allowed to proceed unhindered, so that the facts can be established accurately, objectively, and fairly.

Perit Farrugia affirms that, at the time, he assessed the building and found it to be structurally sound. This professional assessment was later independently confirmed by Architect Professor Alex Torpiano, who was appointed by mutual agreement by Perit Farrugia and Perit Mintoff.

Perit Farrugia had previously been involved in 2020 in addressing concerns raised by the owner of the two lowermost apartments, belonging to Santumas Shareholding p.l.c. These concerns were followed up with site inspections and formal reports. During this period, there was ongoing communication between the parties; however, this correspondence was later discontinued by Santumas Shareholding p.l.c. A formal request for site access was made by High Point Ltd., but this request remained unanswered.

It is important to clarify that the collapse occurred following demolition works. The authorisation for these works was granted by a third architect on behalf of the developers, Perit Glenn Zammit, without any concerns being raised from Perit Christopher Mintoff or the owners of the two lowermost apartments. Perit Glenn Zammit issued a formal report (method statement for demolition works) expressly stating that the neighbouring buildings were ‘good and stable, and do not pose any particular risk during demolition.’

He further concluded that temporary propping of the neighbouring building was not required—clearly confirming that, in his professional opinion, the structures were safe, stable, and required no additional support. This report is publicly available on the Planning Authority website under PA/2173/21.

In the days immediately preceding the incident—between 9 and 11 June 2025—Perit Farrugia remained actively involved on site, in regular communication with the other professionals concerned. He supported and facilitated all measures intended to safeguard the safety of the residents, including their evacuation, and at all times complied fully with directions issued by the Building and Construction Authority and other competent entities.

In view of all this, any further public speculation is not only unhelpful but potentially damaging. Until the official investigations are concluded, any assertions regarding the cause of the collapse remain purely speculative. Perit Wallace Farrugia remains fully committed to cooperating with the authorities and trusts that the full truth will be established through the proper legal and technical channels.”

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