A significant road traffic accident occurred on Tuesday afternoon on the Agios Epifanios–Palaichori road, involving a school minibus and a private car. The collision resulted in injuries to thirteen individuals, ten of whom were schoolchildren. Emergency services responded promptly to the scene, and the affected road was temporarily closed to facilitate the rescue and investigation efforts.
The incident, which took place in the vicinity of Palaichori village, saw the school vehicle, carrying students, collide with another passenger vehicle. Medical teams were immediately dispatched and attended to all casualties at the crash site. Subsequently, all thirteen injured parties were transported to Nicosia General Hospital for thorough medical assessment and treatment. The occupants of the private car, along with the minibus driver, were among the injured adults receiving care.
According to Charalampos Charilaou, a spokesperson for the State Health Services Organisation, all individuals involved were being provided with appropriate medical attention. "All those involved in the crash were receiving appropriate medical care at the paediatric and adult accident and emergency departments of Nicosia General Hospital," Mr. Charilaou stated, confirming that the pupils' conditions were not deemed life-threatening.
The immediate aftermath of the collision necessitated the closure of both directions of the Agios Epifanios–Palaichori road, causing considerable disruption to local traffic. Authorities worked diligently to clear the scene, and the road was subsequently reopened, allowing for the resumption of normal traffic flow. A comprehensive police investigation has been launched to determine the precise circumstances leading to the crash.
In a display of concern, both the Health Minister and the Education Minister visited Nicosia General Hospital to check on the injured schoolchildren and accompanying adults. This visit highlighted the seriousness with which the incident is being regarded by government officials. Families of the affected students have been continuously updated regarding their children's condition. While the exact cause of the accident is still being investigated, the event serves as a stark reminder of road safety concerns, especially for young passengers.