Investigations are underway into the fire that broke out on Thursday at the holding cells of the Limassol Police Directorate, with authorities awaiting reports from technical services. The 39‑year‑old remand detainee believed to be involved remains in serious condition at the burns unit in Nicosia.
Assistant Limassol Police Director Lefteris Kyriakou said that on Friday morning investigators carried out a detailed inspection of the scene, joined by the Fire Service’s Forensic Investigations Unit, the Electromechanical Services, the Public Works Department and other relevant agencies. The holding cells will remain closed until safety inspections and necessary restoration work are completed.
Blaze believed to have started from mattress
According to initial indications from the Fire Service, the blaze appears to have started from the mattress inside the cell where the 39‑year‑old was held alone. Thick smoke spread rapidly throughout the detention area, triggering immediate activation of the evacuation plan.
The detainee suffered severe burns to various parts of his body. Officers first transferred him to Limassol General Hospital before moving him to Nicosia, where he is being treated under guard. Two additional detainees and four police officers involved in extinguishing the fire and evacuating the premises experienced breathing difficulties due to smoke inhalation. All received first aid and were later discharged.
Criminal and administrative investigations
Authorities are conducting both criminal and administrative investigations into the circumstances of the fire. Among the issues under review is whether proper search protocols were followed when the detainee was admitted to the holding cells, as well as the adequacy of monitoring procedures.
The 39‑year‑old had appeared earlier on Thursday before the Paphos District Court, which ordered his remand. During the proceedings he allegedly attempted to escape but was immediately apprehended and transferred to Limassol.