Fire breaks out in police holding cells
A detainee remains in critical condition following a blaze that erupted at the holding cells of the Limassol Central Police Station on Thursday afternoon, causing significant damage, police said.
According to authorities, the fire broke out at around 4:40pm in a cell where several detainees were being held. Police officers immediately evacuated the detainees and moved them to a safe area within the police headquarters.
One detainee intubated with severe burns
The detainee, a 39-year-old remand prisoner, suffered second- and third-degree burns to various parts of his body. He was initially transferred to Limassol General Hospital, where he was intubated and stabilised, before being moved to the Nicosia General Hospital burns unit. He remains sedated in serious condition.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire may have started in the cell where the 39-year-old was being held alone.
Multiple cases of smoke inhalation
In total, two detainees and four police officers experienced respiratory problems after inhaling smoke. They were taken to the Accident and Emergency Department at Limassol General Hospital, where they received first aid and were later discharged.
Additionally, four detainees transferred to Paphos police holding cells later complained of discomfort due to smoke inhalation. They were also taken to Paphos General Hospital, treated, and discharged.
Emergency response and transfers underway
Health spokesperson Charalambos Charilaou confirmed that three individuals were transported by ambulance to Limassol General Hospital immediately after the incident. Apart from the critically injured detainee, one person sustained a lower limb injury, while another suffered from breathing difficulties due to smoke inhalation.
Meanwhile, authorities have begun transferring detainees to holding facilities in other districts as a precaution.
The Limassol Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is continuing its investigation into the cause of the fire.
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