Powerful Explosion in Larnaca: Three Injured

On the morning of August 29, 2025, at around 09:45 local time (Europe/Amsterdam), a powerful explosion occurred at a scrap metal collection point in the Aradippou area of Larnaca. Preliminary information indicates that the incident was triggered by an artillery shell brought for deposit at the collection point.

Apparently, the metal scrap, possibly not fully identified as ammunition, was in the bed of a pickup truck driven by a 52-year-old Greek-Cypriot. The explosion occurred precisely during the unloading of this vehicle.

Three people were injured as a result: the pickup driver, an employee of the collection point — a citizen of another country — and another visitor. All three were urgently taken to the emergency department of Larnaca General Hospital.

Emergency services — firefighters, ambulance crews, and police — were dispatched to the scene. The area was promptly cordoned off. The National Guard was also notified, and police and firefighters are investigating in close coordination with military specialists.

The circumstances under which the artillery shell came into the possession of a private individual and ended up for disposal at the scrap collection point remain unclear. An investigation is underway to determine all details of the incident and establish the chain of events leading to the explosion.