11.07.2011 - CESP

Six members of the Cyprus Police Association killed in an explosion.

On Monday, July 11, 2011 at 05.50 hrs, an explosion of 98 containers containing gunpowder, ammunition and weapons which were kept in an open space, occurred at a Naval Base in the south of CyprusThe weight of the military cargo was 2000 tons and it had been confiscated according to a decision of the United Nations in February 2009 from a ship coming from Iran and destined for Syria.
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The explosion was extremely strong and completely destroyed the Military Naval Base, the near by power station, which was the most modern in Cyprus and produced 60% of the electricity needed in Cyprus as well as homes and property within 20 km.
Amongst the 12 people who died in the explosion, were the commander and the deputy commander of the base as well as four soldiers but also 6 firefighters were killed who went to the area to prevent the worst and were members of the Cyprus Police Association.

The Cypriot Government declared three days of mourning, expressing their sorrow. CPA will attend the funerals of the firefighters and members and honor [115 KB] them after their death as they deserve.