Limassol detention centre fire leaves man critically burned
A fire broke out at the holding cells of the Limassol police headquarters on early Friday morning, leaving a 39-year-old detainee with severe burns.
Police said the incident occurred at around 4.40pm, triggering an immediate response to evacuate all detainees from the facility.
Officers moved those held in custody to a safe area within police headquarters before transferring them to detention centres in other districts.
The 39-year-old man, who was being held alone in a cell where the fire is believed to have started, sustained second and third degree burns “to various parts of his body” and is currently being treated at Nicosia general hospital under sedation.
He had initially been taken to Limassol general hospital before being transferred due to the severity of his injuries.
Preliminary findings indicate the blaze “appears to have started in the cell where the 39-year-old was being held alone”, with authorities examining whether the fire was deliberately set.
Two other detainees and four police officers were also taken to Limassol general hospital suffering from respiratory problems caused by smoke inhalation, before being discharged.
Further cases were reported after four detainees transferred to Paphos complained of breathing difficulties.
They were taken to Paphos general hospital, where they received treatment and were subsequently released.
Police confirmed that all individuals held at the Limassol centre have since been relocated.
The condition of the injured detainee remains serious, with medical teams monitoring his recovery as investigations proceed.