Tag: road safety

  • Fatal Car Accident in Limassol Claims Life of 63-Year-Old Driver

    Fatal Car Accident in Limassol Claims Life of 63-Year-Old Driver

    A tragic car accident in Limassol has resulted in the death of a 63-year-old driver, identified as Giorgos Michael from Zakaki village. The incident occurred around 4.30pm on Thursday, with police suggesting that a possible cardiac arrest may have contributed to the collision.

    Witnesses reported that Michael’s vehicle unexpectedly veered to the right before crashing into an oncoming pickup truck, which was being driven by a 70-year-old. Eyewitness accounts indicate that there was no apparent increase in speed prior to the accident.

    Emergency services arrived shortly after the crash, but Michael was found unconscious and tragically succumbed to his injuries en route to a Limassol hospital. A police spokesman confirmed that they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident but emphasised that they are not ruling out medical causes as a factor.

    Authorities noted that Michael was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the accident, and there were no visible signs of external trauma on his body. A post-mortem examination is scheduled for Friday to ascertain the exact cause of death and provide further clarity on the situation.

  • Two Injured in Kato Paphos Collision

    Two Injured in Kato Paphos Collision

    Two people were rushed to hospital after being trapped in vehicles following a collision in Kato Paphos on Thursday evening. The incident prompted a swift response from local emergency services.

    • Two people were rushed to hospital after being trapped in vehicles following a collision in Kato Paphos on Thursday evening. The incident prompted a swift response from local emergency services.
    • The victims were taken to the Accident and Emergency Department at Paphos General Hospital. Medical personnel there are currently assessing their injuries and providing necessary treatment.
    • This incident highlights the importance of rapid response from emergency services in ensuring the safety and health of those involved in road accidents.

    The Fire Service received a call at 7.05 pm about the crash, leading to the immediate deployment of a vehicle and rescue team from Paphos Fire Station. Firefighters worked quickly to free the two individuals from the wreckage of their cars.

    Once extricated, the injured parties were secured on rescue boards for safe transport. They were subsequently handed over to the Ambulance Service crew, who ensured they received prompt medical attention.

    The victims were taken to the Accident and Emergency Department at Paphos General Hospital. Medical personnel there are currently assessing their injuries and providing necessary treatment.

    This incident highlights the importance of rapid response from emergency services in ensuring the safety and health of those involved in road accidents.

  • Torrential Rain and Hail Create Christmas Wonderland in Paphos

    Torrential Rain and Hail Create Christmas Wonderland in Paphos

    Paphos is reeling under an hour-long deluge that began at midday, bringing a much-needed boost to water reserves and a festive, wintry atmosphere to this Sunday afternoon. Heavy downpours accompanied by intense hailstorms have blanketed the region, turning coastal areas like Geroskipou, the western shoreline, and the airport district completely white.

    Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com

    • The Fire Service and state emergency teams remain on high alert. Crews are currently standing by across the province to intervene as these extreme weather patterns continue to unfold.

    While the scenery appears Christmas-like, the weather has created hazardous conditions on the roads. Deep water is pooling across the Paphos-Limassol motorway and clogging major city-centre arteries. Drivers must exercise extreme caution as visibility drops and roads become slick.

    The Fire Service and state emergency teams remain on high alert. Crews are currently standing by across the province to intervene as these extreme weather patterns continue to unfold.

  • Rising Road Toll in Cyprus Attributed to Mobile Phone Distraction

    Rising Road Toll in Cyprus Attributed to Mobile Phone Distraction

    Mobile phone use has been identified as a significant factor in the rising road toll in Cyprus, with 43 fatalities reported this year alone. Recent statistics reveal that the number of road deaths has increased year-on-year, with motorcyclists particularly affected.

    Mobile phone: Motorcyclists at Risk

    This year, sixteen motorcyclists lost their lives in road collisions, surpassing the thirteen car drivers who died. These figures were presented to the Road Safety Council, highlighting a worrying trend related to driver distraction.

    Driver Distraction Leads the Fatality List

    According to the data shared by Traffic Director Haris Evripidou, careless driving and distraction were linked to eleven of the total fatalities. This alarming statistic positions distraction as the leading cause of death on the island’s roads. Minister of Transport Alexis Vafeades emphasised the seriousness of the situation, labelling it a national “scourge.”

    Young Lives Cut Short

    Among the victims, eleven were young individuals aged 25 and under, including eight motorcyclists. The fatalities also involved eight pedestrians and three cyclists, showcasing a broader issue with road safety.

    Inattention: A Deadly Habit

    Analysis indicated that nineteen deaths were linked to inattentive driving, which includes those attributed to mobile phone use. Vafeades remarked, “I personally interpret this potentially into mobile phone use. This cannot be accepted.”

    Other Contributing Factors

    Alongside distraction, other factors contributing to the fatalities included driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (five victims) and speeding (two victims). The geographical distribution of these deaths revealed Limassol as the area with the highest toll, recording fifteen fatalities.

    Immediate Government Action Required

    Faced with these troubling statistics, the government is under pressure to act. Vafeades warned that this trend jeopardises the government’s goal of reducing fatal road collisions by 50% by 2030. To tackle the issue, the relevant committees will reconvene the Road Safety Council in January to implement immediate corrective measures.

    Legislative Changes on the Horizon

    Justice Minister Constantinos Fytiris expressed the urgency for changes, stating that his Ministry, through the Police, will ensure that necessary resources and technologies are in place. A proposed legislative measure is also in the works, aiming to enforce zero alcohol consumption for young drivers, a move that could significantly enhance road safety.

    Tackling Traffic Obstacles for Emergency Services

    Additionally, the Police are examining the logistical challenges posed by traffic cameras, particularly concerning drivers obstructing ambulances. Finding a solution that ensures both public safety and emergency responsiveness is a priority.

  • Limassol-nicosia motorway — Three-Vehicle Collision Disrupts Traffic on Limassol-Nicosia Motorway

    Limassol-nicosia motorway — Three-Vehicle Collision Disrupts Traffic on Limassol-Nicosia Motorway

    limassol-nicosia motorway — A traffic collision involving three vehicles has closed the left lane of the Limassol-Nicosia motorway at Kornos. The incident occurred moments ago and has caused a noticeable increase in congestion in the area.

    • Drivers are reminded to adhere closely to instructions from police on-site as they navigate the affected area.
    • This incident unfolds amid a yellow warning for heavy rain due to Storm Byron, which is impacting various regions across the country.

    Heavy rainfall is currently affecting the region, which has likely contributed to the hazardous conditions on the road. As vehicles slow down to navigate the scene, police officers have arrived to assist and manage traffic flow.

    All traffic is being redirected through the right lane as emergency services work to clear the accident. Authorities are urging drivers to adjust their speed and maintain safe distances from other vehicles to ensure safety.

    Drivers are reminded to adhere closely to instructions from police on-site as they navigate the affected area.

    This incident unfolds amid a yellow warning for heavy rain due to Storm Byron, which is impacting various regions across the country.

  • Tragic Crash Claims Life of 17-Year-Old on Larnaca-Limassol Road

    Tragic Crash Claims Life of 17-Year-Old on Larnaca-Limassol Road

    larnaca-limassol road — A 17-year-old girl, Aliki Nicolaou from Lymbia, died on Saturday morning in a car crash on the road from Kofinou to the Limassol-Nicosia highway.

    • larnaca-limassol road — A 17-year-old girl, Aliki Nicolaou from Lymbia, died on Saturday morning in a car crash on the road from Kofinou to the Limassol-Nicosia highway.

    The collision, which occurred at around 2.30am, involved a vehicle carrying five individuals. According to police reports, as the car was entering the highway towards Nicosia, it veered off course, struck a safety barrier, and subsequently overturned.

    Emergency services were quick to respond, with police and firefighters attending the scene. Firefighters worked to free Aliki from the wreckage before she was transported by ambulance to Larnaca general hospital. Unfortunately, despite the efforts of medical staff, she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

    Among the four other passengers in the vehicle were three teenagers. Following treatment, a 17-year-old boy and a 17-year-old girl, along with the 22-year-old male driver, were discharged from the hospital. The 22-year-old driver, who was also involved in the crash, remains in hospital for further medical examinations.

    Initial tests conducted on the driver revealed a positive result for alcohol. However, during a follow-up test, he failed to provide a valid breath sample, leading to his arrest for a summary offence. Reports confirm that tests for drugs returned negative results.

    The Larnaca traffic department is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. Sources suggest that the driver may face additional charges related to this tragic incident, along with other possible traffic offences.

  • Tragic Limassol Crash Claims Life of 51-Year-Old Motorcyclist

    Tragic Limassol Crash Claims Life of 51-Year-Old Motorcyclist

    A 51-year-old motorcyclist died after being seriously injured in a collision with a van in Limassol. The crash, which occurred on Thursday night, highlights the dangers of impaired driving.

    • A 51-year-old motorcyclist died after being seriously injured in a collision with a van in Limassol. The crash, which occurred on Thursday night, highlights the dangers of impaired driving.

    Motorcyclist: The Collision

    The accident took place at approximately 8.30pm near Moni when a van struck the motorcyclist’s vehicle. Emergency services were called to the scene, and the motorcyclist was transported to a private hospital in Limassol, where he succumbed to his injuries.

    Driver’s Condition

    Authorities reported that the van driver, a 41-year-old man, was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol. A breath analyser test indicated he had 48 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, significantly above the legal limit of 22 micrograms.

    Legal Action

    Following the incident, a court warrant was issued for the man’s arrest. He is now facing charges related to driving under the influence, and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the collision are ongoing.

    Community Reaction

    This tragic event has resonated within the community, raising concerns about road safety and the implications of drunk driving. Local residents are calling for increased awareness and stricter enforcement of driving regulations to prevent such incidents in the future.

  • Fatal crash: Tragic Collision in Limassol Claims Life of Motorcyclist

    Fatal crash: Tragic Collision in Limassol Claims Life of Motorcyclist

    fatal crash — fatal crash — A fatal road collision occurred last night in Limassol, claiming the life of 51-year-old Giorgos Georgiou, formerly of Limassol. The incident took place around 8:30 p.m. on the old Limassol–Nicosia road.

    At that time, a 41-year-old man was driving a van towards Limassol when, while on the Moni flyover, he veered into the opposing lane of traffic. This reckless manoeuvre resulted in a head-on collision with a large-engine motorcycle being ridden by Georgiou, who was travelling in the opposite direction.

    Despite wearing a protective helmet, Georgiou sustained severe injuries from the crash. Emergency services quickly arrived on the scene, and he was rushed by ambulance to a private hospital in Limassol. Tragically, despite the medical team’s best efforts, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.

    Authorities have revealed that the van driver failed a final alcohol test, registering 48mg, which exceeds the legal limit of 22mg in Cyprus. A subsequent drug test returned negative, indicating no further substances were involved. In light of these findings, a judicial warrant was issued for his arrest, and he was taken into custody to assist with ongoing police inquiries.

    The Limassol Traffic Department is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident, seeking to establish a clearer understanding of the events that led to the fatal collision.

  • Right Lane of Limassol-Nicosia Highway Reopens After Car Overturns

    Right Lane of Limassol-Nicosia Highway Reopens After Car Overturns

    The right lane of the Limassol-Nicosia highway reopened to traffic at around 8am on Monday, following a temporary closure caused by a car overturning near the Kornos area.

    • The right lane of the Limassol-Nicosia highway reopened to traffic at around 8am on Monday, following a temporary closure caused by a car overturning near the Kornos area.
    • By 8am, the vehicle had been cleared, and traffic resumed its normal flow along this busy highway.

    Police reported that the vehicle overturned and came to a stop in the right lane at approximately 7am. Officers were quickly dispatched to the scene to provide assistance, manage traffic, and arrange for the car’s removal using a tow truck.

    By 8am, the vehicle had been cleared, and traffic resumed its normal flow along this busy highway.

    Authorities took the opportunity to remind drivers to exercise caution while using the road network. Police emphasised the importance of following the highway code and complying with traffic signals to prevent future accidents.

  • Paphos collision — Paphos collision: Six Children Injured in Paphos Traffic Collision Involving Two Families

    Paphos collision — Paphos collision: Six Children Injured in Paphos Traffic Collision Involving Two Families

    paphos collision — paphos collision — A traffic collision has resulted in injuries to six children in Paphos, highlighting the dangers of road travel. The incident occurred around 6:10 pm on Sunday, 2 November, on the Axylou-Nata road, when two vehicles collided under circumstances that are currently being investigated.

    A car, driven by a 42-year-old man with his 38-year-old wife and their three children—a girl aged 8, a boy aged 6, and another girl aged 3—was involved in the crash with another vehicle. This second car was driven by a 29-year-old man, accompanied by his 27-year-old wife and their three children: a 5-month-old girl, a 4-year-old girl, and a 2-year-old boy.

    All individuals involved were promptly taken to Paphos General Hospital for treatment. Fortunately, the 3-year-old daughter of the first family did not sustain any injuries. However, the 6-year-old boy suffered a fractured pelvis, and his 8-year-old sister experienced a collapsed lung.

    In the second vehicle, the 5-month-old baby suffered a head haematoma, while the 2-year-old boy sustained blunt trauma. The 4-year-old girl from the second family was treated for bruising to the head.

    As a precaution, the 3-year-old girl from the first family was kept at Paphos General Hospital, while the other children were transferred to Makarios Hospital in Nicosia for further treatment. The 42-year-old driver of the first car was discharged without injuries, but his wife, aged 38, required treatment for a fractured sternum and remained in hospital.

    The two adults from the second vehicle were kept for observation, but all individuals involved are now reported to be out of danger. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards on the roads and the importance of road safety.