An explosion at a metal recycling facility in Larnaca injured three men aged 52, 39 and 42 on Friday morning, with preliminary investigations suggesting military ordnance caused the blast.
The incident occurred at 09:45 when a 52-year-old Greek Cypriot delivered scrap metal to the facility in Aradippou industrial area. A 39-year-old Nigerian worker collected the materials whilst a 42-year-old Bulgarian man was coincidentally present delivering metal items.
Police told Philenews the explosion occurred when the delivered items were thrown onto a pile of other metals. Investigators are examining whether the materials originated from a firing range.
Unlicensed facility operated despite closure orders
The 52-year-old and 39-year-old sustained non-serious injuries, whilst the 42-year-old suffered a ruptured spleen requiring surgery, police said.
The facility has operated without proper licences despite repeated closure orders, Environment Department sources revealed. In 2019, following out-of-court settlements and compliance letters for cessation of operations, the department sent a detailed report to the Attorney General requesting an ex parte interim order to halt operations.
Three years later in 2022, the Environment Department reiterated its position for facility closure in correspondence with the Attorney General. A court imposed a €600 fine on the premises in 2023.
Second similar incident in two years at Larnaca area
Larnaca Police Director Ioannis Sotiriades confirmed three individuals were transported to Larnaca General Hospital following the explosion at the scrap metal collection point. “The scene has been cordoned off at a safe distance for investigation by police bomb disposal experts and a National Guard explosives specialist,” he said.
Labour Inspection Department and Fire Service officials also examined the site.
A similar incident occurred on 13 September 2023 at another metal collection facility in the same area, when military ordnance collected near Vougies firing range in Kosia exploded, injuring a 68-year-old Greek Cypriot and two foreign workers aged 55 and 50.
Police and the National Guard are investigating the cause of the explosion.
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