Another pedestrian dies in road accident

A family man trying to cross the road in Limassol early morning Saturday was killed when he was struck by a car, with police arresting the driver but then releasing him after admitting it was still unclear who was at fault.

According to police, 52-year-old Chrysostomos Chrysostomou from Limassol, was killed instantly after being hit by a car early Saturday morning before 5am.

A northbound car on Omonia Avenue reportedly made a right turn on Vasileos Pavlou Road around 4:50am and struck the pedestrian, who was thought to have been intending to cross the boulevard from east to west.

“The unlucky man was sent flying and then hit the asphalt, resulting to fatal injuries,” said Limassol traffic police director Emilios Kafas.

Chrysostomou was rushed to the Emergency Room at Limassol General Hospital where doctors on duty pronounced him dead on arrival.

Reporters at the scene said it was still unclear whether the driver had turned properly or tried to cut the corner.

Police went ahead and arrested the driver, who is in his late sixties, but declined to say on what charges.

“There are factors in some cases when police may proceed with making an arrest in fatal accidents in order to investigate,” a police communications officer told Knews on Saturday.

But Knews has learned the suspect was later released after no specific information was provided by police regarding specific offenses on his part, including traffic violations.

The suspect, who was described as a local male, also tested negative for drugs and alcohol, according to the police report.

Kafas said investigators were conducting specialized examinations to determine the facts as well as seeking security camera footage.

“[Investigators seek] to determine whether the pedestrian’s presence on the road was noticeable as well as what was the behavior of the pedestrian and particularly the driver,” Kafas said.

Limassol traffic police have called on members of the public to come forward if they have any information about the incident.

The official alluded to the final position of the vehicle and lighting in the area while Limassol traffic police have called on members of the public to come forward if they have any information about the incident.