New developments have emerged in the Xylofagou tragedy involving the deaths of two brothers aged eight and 10, after experts reportedly identified a fault in the vehicle where the children were found.
Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths as further forensic results remain pending.
Possible fault found during vehicle examination
According to information reported by local media, specialists from the vehicle dealership examined the car and identified a defect in one of the rear doors.
The reported fault allegedly left the door unlocked despite the vehicle itself being locked. Investigators believe this may have allowed the two boys to enter the car.
However, once inside, the children are believed to have become trapped after the vehicle’s child safety lock system had been activated.
Suffocation remains leading scenario
Authorities continue to examine suffocation as the most likely cause of death, as preliminary findings suggest the children remained trapped inside the vehicle for more than three hours.
However, officials have not yet reached a final conclusion.
Histopathological examinations on samples taken during the post-mortem procedures are still pending, and investigators are awaiting the final results before confirming the exact cause of death.
CCTV footage under examination
Closed-circuit camera footage reportedly shows the two brothers playing in a field before entering the vehicle and continuing to play inside.
The footage then ends, leaving investigators to determine what happened afterwards.
Investigation remains ongoing
A 30-year-old father and his 38-year-old partner, who owns the vehicle, were arrested as part of the investigation.
Authorities are expected to decide whether both individuals or only the father will appear before the Dhekelia court. The father is being investigated on suspicion of negligence after the children were allegedly left unsupervised.
The children were found unconscious inside the vehicle on Sunday afternoon after the 38-year-old woman returned home.
Also read: Xylofagou: Funerals held in Bulgaria for two children who died inside car
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