A devastating traffic incident late on Friday evening has claimed the life of a 58-year-old man, Manolis Constantinou of Deryneia, who was fatally struck by a vehicle while attempting to change a tyre on his car. The collision occurred in the emergency lane of the highway near Xylofagou, close to the initial exit for the village, prompting a significant police response and prolonged road closure.
The fatal encounter took place around 9:45 p.m., casting a grim shadow over the usually busy thoroughfare. Mr. Constantinou had evidently pulled over to the side of the road to address a punctured tyre on his vehicle. It was during this precarious undertaking that a passing car collided with him, resulting in catastrophic injuries. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene, but tragically, Mr. Constantinou was pronounced dead at the location.
In the immediate aftermath of the collision, British Bases Police swiftly apprehended the driver of the vehicle that struck Mr. Constantinou. Preliminary investigations, including mandatory breathalyser and drug tests, indicated that the driver had not consumed alcohol or illicit substances prior to the incident. Despite these negative results, the driver has been taken into custody and was scheduled to appear before a court on Saturday afternoon to face charges related to the fatality.
The impact of the incident necessitated the complete closure of the affected section of the highway for several hours. Authorities worked diligently to manage the ensuing traffic disruption, redirecting vehicles and ensuring the scene was meticulously examined. The road remained inaccessible to motorists until approximately 1:00 a.m. to 1:15 a.m. on Saturday morning, causing considerable inconvenience to late-night travellers.
A post-mortem examination of Mr. Constantinou was scheduled for Saturday afternoon, which is expected to provide further clarity on the precise cause of death. The investigation into the exact sequence of events leading to this tragic loss is ongoing, with authorities scrutinising all available evidence to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the collision. The incident serves as a stark and sobering reminder of the inherent dangers associated with roadside repairs, particularly on high-speed roads, and underscores the importance of extreme caution for both drivers and those who may find themselves in need of roadside assistance. The community of Deryneia is mourning the loss of Mr. Constantinou, a man whose life was cut tragically short in what appears to have been a preventable, yet devastating, accident.