A disturbing incident has gripped the Cypriot city of Larnaca, where an elderly man has tragically died from suspected poisoning. Four other individuals, including the man's wife, are currently receiving hospital treatment after consuming water from a domestic cooler. Authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this grave event, which began to surface on Saturday. Initial findings suggest either a deliberate act or a severe contamination.
The deceased, a 78-year-old gentleman, was discovered unresponsive at his home. His 73-year-old wife, who had reportedly replaced the water bottle in their cooler on Saturday, was among the first to experience severe symptoms. She was immediately admitted to hospital. The situation worsened when a 78-year-old neighbour, who also became ill later, was rushed to Larnaca General Hospital. He was subsequently transferred to Nicosia General Hospital in critical condition and is reportedly intubated and comatose.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, the deceased man's sister and niece have also been hospitalized, although their conditions are currently described as stable. Their involvement indicates a broader exposure to the potentially contaminated water. The Larnaca CID unit, in collaboration with the YKAN (Drug Law Enforcement Unit), has initiated a comprehensive inquiry. Extensive searches of the property where the incident is believed to have originated have been conducted. Evidence has been collected from the premises, and an autopsy on the deceased was scheduled for Monday morning.
While the investigation is still in its early stages, law enforcement officials are primarily focusing on the water dispensed from the household cooler. Medical professionals are administering treatments, including antidotes, to the hospitalized patients. The State Chemistry Laboratory's findings are eagerly anticipated, as these analyses are considered crucial for determining the exact nature of the contamination. Their results will be pivotal in identifying whether illicit substances or another toxic compound were involved.
Further complicating the inquiry, the deceased man's son was apprehended on December 28th for drug possession and is currently in custody. His trial is scheduled for January 12th. Although his arrest has involved the YKAN, officials have emphasized that no direct link between his alleged drug offences and the poisoning incident has been definitively established. Nevertheless, his detention presents a potential, though unconfirmed, avenue for investigators seeking to understand the motive behind this devastating event.
A spokesperson for OKYP (State Health Services Organization), Charalambos Charilaou, described the incident as unprecedented for Cyprus, understandably causing significant public concern. The swift response from medical personnel and law enforcement has been commendable. However, the critical condition of the neighbour serves as a stark reminder of the potential lethality of the substance involved. The coming days are expected to be crucial, as laboratory results and further investigative efforts aim to shed light on this tragic episode and identify those responsible.