The victim and apparent instigator of the fire that ravaged the Kolossi nursing home of Ayios Yiannis was apparently suffering from psychological problems and had on numerous occasions attempted to start fires around the nursing home.
The fire was detected by a member of staff at around 9.15 pm on Saturday who unsuccessfully attempted to bring the fire under control before calling the fire services for help.
The quick response of neighbours and the fire department led to the successful evacuation of the nursing home’s 41 residents, 17 of which were admitted to the Limassol General Hospital for treatment after experiencing respiratory problems.
Firefighters found the burnt body of the victim, 52-year-old Antonakis Panayiotou on the flooring of a ground-floor bedroom.
Coroner Sofokles Sofokleous who performed an autopsy at the scene ruled out foul play, while the exact cause of death will be determined by a post-mortem examination