Eight people, including two young children, were rushed to Larnaca General Hospital on Saturday following a fire at a two-storey apartment block that caused extensive damage and blanketed the building in thick smoke.
The blaze, which broke out in a bedroom of a first-floor flat, forced an emergency response as hot gases and smoke billowed through the common stairwell, trapping residents on the upper floors.
Fire Service Spokesperson Andreas Kettis confirmed that three family members, including a small child, managed to flee the primary apartment immediately after detecting the flames, while five others had to be rescued from the smoke-filled corridors by firefighters.
Two fire engines from Larnaca stations arrived at the scene, where crews used breathing apparatus to enter the building and lead the trapped occupants to safety. All eight individuals were treated for respiratory distress caused by smoke inhalation and were transported to the Accident and Emergency department via two ambulances.
While the fire was contained to a single room, Kettis noted that the entire complex suffered significant damage due to the rapid spread of thermal gases.
Preliminary investigations by the Fire Service suggest the fire was sparked by an electrical fault in a lighting fixture within the bedroom. However, a final determination is pending a formal inspection by the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services, which will work alongside Larnaca Police to rule out other causes.