The Ypsonas premises will not reopen after fire and explosions that rocked the area earlier this week, according to Kouris mayor Pantelis Georgiou. Speaking to state radio, he confirmed that the site violated its operating licence and would be shut down permanently.
The blaze, which triggered dangerous explosions of flammable materials, caused alarm in the Limassol suburb. Georgiou explained that the premises had a licence to operate only as a warehouse for paper goods and aluminium, and authorities were unaware that gas canisters were being stored in shipping containers on the property.
Annual inspections are normally carried out for licence renewals, the mayor noted. However, in light of this incident, municipal and state authorities will step up inspections of facilities located near residential areas. He warned that any premises found to be in violation will face prosecution.
Georgiou also said that while the Ypsonas premises fire and explosions caused damage to nearby houses, the extent was not considered major. A municipal team is scheduled to assess the affected properties today, with the possibility of financial assistance for residents under consideration.
The closure of the site marks a decisive response to the safety violations, as officials move to prevent similar dangerous incidents in the future.
Also read: Ypsonas fire – Man arrested as suspect
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