Search and recovery efforts wrapped up early afternoon on Sunday, in Germasogeia following the partial collapse of a two-storey building that has already claimed two lives and left others injured.
Rescue teams worked through the night to remove debris in an effort to locate any people who may still be trapped, while police continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Authorities said a large excavator was brought in at first light to assist with clearing rubble, but no further victims have been found so far.
According to police and the Fire Service, two young foreign nationals have been recovered from the debris. Their identities are still being confirmed, and post-mortem examinations will be carried out in the coming days to establish the exact cause of death.
Officials said occupants were inside the building at the time of the collapse and were evacuated by emergency crews. Three people were injured and taken to hospital in Limassol and a private clinic. Two men, aged 32 and 29, remain in hospital. The 32-year-old is suffering from head trauma, facial and body abrasions, and a small intracranial haemorrhage, while the 29-year-old has injuries to his limbs and a head haematoma. A third injured man, also aged 32, was treated and discharged.
Police said efforts are ongoing, with interpreters assisting officers to gather information about residents, some of whom are believed to have been living in Cyprus illegally. Investigators from the Limassol CID are taking statements as part of the inquiry into how the building collapsed.
Unsafe building advertised for short-term rental
According to earlier statements by Limassol CID head Costas Michael, the building contained 11 flats housing at least 20 people. Authorities believe some occupants were in the part of the building that collapsed, while others were in unaffected sections. Some residents are also believed to have left the area and are being sought.
The building had also been advertised for short-term rental on a well-known online platform.
A Ukrainian couple who had rented a flat in the building narrowly escaped the disaster after leaving to get food shortly before the collapse.
The property had previously been declared unsafe by the Limassol District Local Government Organisation, with registered warning letters sent to owners in March 2026 ordering evacuation.
Firefighters, the Cyprus Fire Service, the Cyprus Civil Defence, police, electricity authority crews and local officials took part in what authorities have described as a major recovery operation. Search dogs from the Fire Service’s K9 unit were also being used.
An emergency operations centre had been activated under the Chief Fire Service Officer, who was in direct contact with the Justice Minister. Civil Defence and special police units were also involved, alongside government engineers assessing structural risks at the site.