A devastating incident on the Nicosia-Limassol motorway tragically claimed the life of 70-year-old road worker Savvas Ioannou yesterday evening. Mr. Ioannou had been diligently placing traffic cones for ongoing roadworks when he was struck by a private vehicle. The collision occurred near the village of Moni around 7:25 PM, a section of road where visibility may have been significantly reduced due to insufficient ambient lighting.
The Limassol Traffic Police are currently conducting a thorough investigation into the precise circumstances surrounding this fatal event. Preliminary reports suggest the 37-year-old driver lost control of his vehicle, impacting an illuminated warning sign within the construction zone. It was during this collision with the signage that Mr. Ioannou sustained his fatal injuries. The driver, who suffered only minor injuries, was taken to a private hospital and subsequently tested negative for alcohol and illicit substances.
Marios Charalambous, Head of Limassol Traffic Police, confirmed that authorities are meticulously examining all potential contributing factors to the accident. "According to initial information, signage existed at the location, which will be meticulously recorded," Mr. Charalambous stated, emphasizing the presence of warning systems. He further elaborated on the ongoing investigation into the driver's actions, adding, "From the first testimonies, it appears that the illuminated arrow was functioning, and the reasons why the driver lost control of his vehicle are being investigated."
This unfortunate incident has cast a somber shadow over the community and highlighted critical concerns regarding road safety, particularly in areas undergoing construction. While initial findings indicate that appropriate warning mechanisms, including an illuminated directional arrow, were operational, the absence of adequate road lighting on this particular stretch is being considered a potential factor in the driver's loss of control. Investigators are delving into the precise sequence of events, including the driver's speed and reaction time.
Furthermore, the role and positioning of a van, which the victim was reportedly using, are also subject to thorough examination as part of the comprehensive effort to reconstruct the fatal collision. Police are actively seeking additional witnesses and reviewing any available surveillance footage that might provide further clarity. The death of Mr. Ioannou serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers faced by construction and maintenance personnel. The investigation is expected to inform future safety measures and potentially lead to adjustments in traffic management protocols on motorways during nocturnal hours.