A devastating house fire in Limassol has claimed the lives of a five-member family, sparking grief, shock, and urgent discussions about fire safety and electrical regulations in Cyprus.
The victims, identified as Bassem Adeeb Gamil Takla, 35, his wife Maria Georgiou, 33, and their three children, aged 7, 3, and 2, were trapped inside their second-floor apartment when the fire broke out in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Relatives living on the ground and first floors of the building noticed the fire and attempted to rescue them, but the flames had already spread rapidly, blocking all exits.
Fire and rescue efforts
The Fire Service received the emergency call at 04:08 and immediately dispatched four fire engines, including a telescopic ladder vehicle, to the scene.
Upon arrival, firefighters found the entire apartment engulfed in flames. Despite their immediate intervention, using breathing apparatus and water hoses, they were unable to save the family. The bodies of all five victims were found inside.
Cause of the fire – Investigations underway
The Police, Fire Service, and Electrical and Mechanical Services Department have launched a full investigation into the cause of the fire.
According to Fire Service Spokesman Andreas Kettis, the fire originated in the area between the kitchen and a small living room.
While the exact cause remains unconfirmed, authorities are investigating whether an electrical fault may have triggered the blaze.
Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that the fire was caused by an electric heater plugged into a multi-socket extension.
Autopsies and cause of death
On Sunday, forensic pathologist Orthodoxos Orthodoxou conducted autopsies on the victims at Nicosia General Hospital.
Soot inhalation was detected in all five bodies, indicating that the victims may have lost consciousness due to toxic fumes before succumbing to the fire. Further laboratory tests are being conducted to determine the precise cause of death.
@roadreportcy Limassol: Three children and their parents lost their lives! The tragic incident as captured by a neighbor. 15/02/2025 #fire #limassol #cyprusnews #agiosnikolaos #roadreportcy ♬ Very Sad – Enchan
Calls for urgent electrical safety reforms
The tragedy has reignited concerns about electrical safety in Cyprus.
Speaking on Protoselido, President of the Cyprus Association of Electrical Contractors, Giorgos Kyriakou, expressed frustration over the lack of regulatory enforcement and dangerous electrical installations.
He warned that unsafe electrical equipment is widely available in Cyprus, stating that sample tests on ten products revealed that all ten were defective, posing serious risks of electrocution and fire.
Kyriakou also criticised municipal authorities for failing to enforce compliance certificates, urging mandatory electrical inspections for homes, similar to MOT tests for vehicles.
“We have been heading towards deadly incidents with mathematical precision—some for profit and others to protect monopolies,” he said.
He called for new legislation requiring electricians to undergo training every three years and warned that the number of defective electrical components in Cyprus is increasing.
Limassol Municipality to cover funeral costs
In response to the tragedy, the Municipality of Limassol has announced that it will fully cover the funeral expenses for the victims.
“The entire city mourns the loss of this family, and our thoughts are with their loved ones,” the municipality stated.
Temporary housing has been arranged for relatives who lived on the first floor, and social workers are providing support to grieving family members.
The municipality also highlighted that this tragedy raises critical concerns about housing safety, building conditions, and fire prevention measures.
Limassol carnival to go ahead amid mourning
Despite public calls for the cancellation of the Limassol Carnival, Mayor Yiannis Armeftis confirmed that the event will proceed as planned.
He explained that many people had worked hard to prepare for the event and that the carnival is a deeply rooted tradition in Limassol.
“What needs to happen is an adjustment to certain aspects of the event, ensuring both respect for tradition and respect for the mourning following this unimaginable tragedy,” he stated.
Conclusion
The tragic fire in Limassol has not only caused heartbreak and loss but has also sparked urgent discussions about fire safety, building regulations, and electrical hazards in Cyprus.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire, while fire safety experts and electrical professionals are calling for immediate reforms to prevent future tragedies.
Also read: Limassol couple hospitalised after using outdoor heater indoors
