Cyprus is currently contending with a series of alarming incidents, ranging from a suspected case of water poisoning that has resulted in a fatality and multiple hospitalizations, to a string of arson attacks and a disruptive technological malfunction at a correctional facility. Authorities are actively investigating each event, with significant resources deployed to ascertain the precise circumstances and bring those responsible to justice. The Larnaca CID is at the forefront of the poisoning inquiry, while police in Limassol have made an arrest in connection with a significant theft. Concurrently, the island's fire services have been stretched thin responding to multiple blazes across different districts.
The most distressing development emerged over the weekend when a 78-year-old pensioner in Larnaca tragically lost their life, with four other individuals admitted to hospital in a critical condition. The incident, which occurred at a private residence, is being treated as a suspected case of water poisoning. Detectives are meticulously examining a specific water source within the property, with forensic teams diligently collecting samples for comprehensive laboratory analysis. The investigation is also encompassing plumbing systems and any stored water containers, aiming to pinpoint the origin of the alleged contamination. Relatives of the deceased have been cooperating with investigators, providing crucial information as the Larnaca CID works to unravel the perplexing circumstances surrounding this fatality.
In a separate but equally concerning development, Limassol police have apprehended a 36-year-old man in connection with a series of thefts. The arrest, which followed the execution of a judicial warrant, led to the recovery of a substantial quantity of stolen goods, including valuable power tools and two trailers. The suspect is currently in custody, assisting Polemidia Police Station and the Limassol Petty Offences Department with their ongoing inquiries into a broader pattern of criminal activity. The investigation into the power tool theft, reported on January 2nd, 2026, appears to have been a significant catalyst for this recent apprehension.
Meanwhile, a technological issue emanating from the Central Prisons has inadvertently caused considerable disruption to mobile phone services in the surrounding residential and commercial areas. The prison’s sophisticated phone-blocking system, designed to curtail illicit inmate communications, has been found to possess an unintended reach, interfering with legitimate network connectivity for nearby residents and businesses. This situation has prompted renewed scrutiny of the system's efficacy and its broader impact, potentially leading to further discussions and proposals being presented to the Cabinet regarding the future of the Central Prisons. Ministry officials, including Justice Minister Kostas Fytiris, are reportedly monitoring the situation closely.
Adding to the island's woes, a series of unrelated fires have erupted across Paphos, Limassol, and Larnaca districts over the past two days. In Paphos, the early hours of Saturday, January 3rd, saw a blaze erupt in the industrial zone, resulting in extensive damage to a car, the destruction of an articulated lorry, and a towed caravan. Limassol experienced two fires on Friday evening, one in the Omonia area and another in an open space, causing significant damage to a car and a moped. The Larnaca district also reported a fire on Friday morning in the community of Avdellero, which led to the collapse of an outbuilding. Fire Service spokesperson Andreas Kettis confirmed that fire and police units responded promptly to all incidents. While investigations into the causes are ongoing, initial findings in one Limassol case suggest a potential short circuit. Forensic examination of the fire sites is underway to determine the precise origins of these destructive events.