A series of alarming incidents, including a deliberate explosion and two vehicle fires, have disrupted the early part of the week across Cyprus, prompting thorough investigations. Authorities are treating one of the events as a criminal act, while the others appear to be the result of unfortunate mechanical or electrical malfunctions.
Early Tuesday morning, a powerful explosion shattered the peace in Limassol's Mesa Yeitonia district, targeting the offices of a financial services firm. Shortly after 3 am, unknown assailants detonated a firework device, reportedly mixed with petrol, at the company's entrance. The blast caused substantial damage to the establishment's glass facade and sent shockwaves through nearby residential areas. Limassol CID investigators are treating the incident as an attempted destruction of property using explosive materials, with CCTV footage reportedly capturing at least one suspect. Detectives are exploring potential motives, including business rivalries or other undisclosed grievances that might have precipitated such a brazen act.
Meanwhile, in Engomi, a more common, though still concerning, event unfolded on Monday afternoon outside a local car dealership. Around 6:40 pm, the fire brigade responded to a call about a parked Jeep engulfed in flames. Dealership employees attempted to control the blaze before emergency services arrived. Two fire engines were deployed to extinguish the fire, which had significantly damaged the vehicle's front section. Preliminary investigations have yielded no evidence of malicious intent, and a mechanical or electrical fault within the Jeep is the likely cause.
Adding to the week's unsettling events, a car in Ayia Napa was completely destroyed by fire on Monday afternoon. The incident, occurring in an apartment building's parking lot, required the owner and neighbours' assistance to control the flames. Subsequent examinations strongly indicated an electrical fault, specifically a short circuit in the ignition system, was the root cause, effectively ruling out arson. These disparate incidents highlight the diverse challenges faced by law enforcement and emergency services in maintaining public safety across Cyprus.