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GreekReporter.comGreek NewsCyprusMassive Explosion in Cyprus Kills 12 & Destroys Naval Base

Massive Explosion in Cyprus Kills 12 & Destroys Naval Base


A massive explosion tore through “Evangelos Florakis” Cyprus Naval Base  at 6:00 a.m. on July 11th. Local media reports that a fire broke out nearby the camp at 4.20 a.m. and then spread to the base, setting light to 98 containers of gunpowder kept under non-appropriate conditions.
The containers had been confiscated by Cyprus authorities in February 2009 from a Russian ship sailing off its coast. Reports mention 12 people dead; 5 firemen among them, 62 injured, while some soldiers are still missing.
The naval base has been completely destroyed. Near the base the area is full of car glass, broken branches, bars and pipes.

The fire was visible from a great distance, while the explosion was heard tens of kilometers away.
There is low visibility in the area and authorities have closed the part of the highway Nicosia- Limassol leading to the village Mari, for all vehicles except for ambulances.

The island’s primary electricity plant suffered extensive damage, as a result of the explosion’s concussion wave, and has remained offline. Authorities were appealing to the public to reduce consumption as much as possible.  Larnaca and Limassol residents have been advised not to go to the hospitals if it is not a real emergency.
The communication network in Nicosia has also suffered damages.

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