A 58-year-old man, identified as Manolis Constantinou from Deryneia, tragically lost his life late on Friday evening. He was fatally struck by a vehicle while undertaking a tyre change in the emergency lane of the highway near Xylofagou. The collision occurred close to the village’s initial exit, prompting a significant police response and a prolonged road closure.
The fatal encounter took place around 9:45 p.m., casting a somber atmosphere over the usually busy route. Mr. Constantinou had evidently stopped to address a punctured tyre on his vehicle. It was during this potentially hazardous task that a passing car collided with him, inflicting devastating injuries. Despite the swift arrival of emergency services, Mr. Constantinou was pronounced dead at the scene.
In the immediate aftermath, British Bases Police apprehended the driver of the vehicle involved in the collision. Preliminary investigations, which included mandatory breathalyser and drug tests, indicated no presence of alcohol or illicit substances. Nevertheless, the driver has been taken into custody and was scheduled to appear in court on Saturday afternoon. He faces charges stemming from the fatality.
The incident necessitated the complete closure of the affected highway section for several hours. Authorities worked diligently to manage the considerable traffic disruption, redirecting vehicles and ensuring a thorough examination of the scene. The road remained inaccessible until approximately 1:00 a.m. to 1:15 a.m. on Saturday morning, causing significant inconvenience to late-night travellers.
A post-mortem examination for Mr. Constantinou was scheduled for Saturday afternoon, expected to clarify the precise cause of death. The investigation into the exact sequence of events leading to this tragic loss is ongoing. Authorities are scrutinising all available evidence to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the collision. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers associated with roadside repairs, especially on busy roads, and highlights the critical need for extreme caution. The community of Deryneia is deeply mourning Mr. Constantinou, whose life was tragically cut short.