AN iconic landmark in Malta has collapsed after strong winds and storms hit the popular site.
The Azure Window, a natural limestone arch, was created after two sea caves collapsed and was a popular site among locals and tourists, attracting thousands every year.
Malta’s prime minister Joseph Muscat tweeted about the incident, calling it “heartbreaking”.
The site from where one could admire it-Tieqa tad-Dwejra. Heartbreaking. pic.twitter.com/S4XV6MyKRu
— Joseph Muscat (@JosephMuscat_JM) March 8, 2017
However, police posted a warning on Facebook, advising people to stay away from the site.
Roger Chessell was at the scene when the rocks collapsed at about 9.40am, and told the Times of Malta: “There was a big raging sea beneath the window.
“Suddenly, the arch collapsed into the sea with a loud whoomph, throwing up a huge spray. By the time the spray had faded, the stack had gone too.”
Geologists had expressed concern over the formation’s longevity, concluding while erosion was inevitable, the structure was not in imminent danger of collapsing, in a study published just four years ago.
Just last week at #Dwejra #AzureWindow ? pic.twitter.com/a8nJZMYHkT
— Paula Galea (@Paula_Galea) March 8, 2017
However, the government did implement a ban on walking across the rocks, making it a fineable offence.
The Azure Window was used as a filming location for several movies and TV series, with The Odyssey, Clash Of The Titans and Game Of Thrones all using it as a beautiful backdrop.
Bye Bye Tieqa. The best shot I ever took of the iconic landscape. Always wanted to give it another shot 🙁 #Dwejra #AzureWindow #Malta pic.twitter.com/UvOFGpPm5m
— Alan Grech (@Alan_Grech) March 8, 2017
https://twitter.com/acapellaqueens/status/839444185891602433
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