A fire that broke out in a polystyrene manufacturing factory in Aradippou has turned into a tragedy. According to the Police, a completely charred body was discovered on the ground floor of the factory, yet retrieval has not been possible due to the structural instability and associated hazards of the building.
The incident unfolded yesterday morning at 8:27 when authorities received information about a fire in a two-story factory located in the free industrial zone of Aradippou. At the time of the fire, the factory’s owner, three workers, and an external contractor involved in electrical repairs were present on the first floor. While all individuals inside the factory managed to evacuate, the contractor could not be located by Fire Department personnel during their initial search.
The charred remains, found in the ground-floor area around 2:30 p.m., are believed to belong to the contractor, who had remained unaccounted for. However, official identification will only proceed after a formal autopsy scheduled for today. Forensic experts and anthropologists will conduct further examinations to confirm the identity and investigate the cause of death.
Present at the scene were the Larnaca Police Director, officials from the Crime Investigation Department (CID) of Larnaca, and other police representatives, as well as members from the Labour Inspection Department and the Cyprus Electricity Authority (AHK), who ensured the electrical supply was cut off for safety purposes.
The fire was extinguished by 2:50 p.m., but as a precaution against potential flare-ups, a fire truck remains stationed on site. The area is currently cordoned off and under police guard, with additional scientific examinations scheduled for today.
The four individuals who evacuated the factory were taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Larnaca General Hospital for precautionary checks due to smoke inhalation. The extent of the fire-related damage is still undetermined, though the facility is insured.
