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A fire broke out Saturday morning in a moving minivan transporting soldiers, prompting an emergency response and temporarily closing a section of the highway.
The incident occurred as the van was traveling from Tsirio Stadium to a conscript stop in Klirou. The driver reportedly noticed smoke coming from the engine, pulled over, and evacuated the soldiers before the fire spread. All passengers exited safely and were able to retrieve their equipment.
Police and Fire Services arrived at the scene quickly. Both lanes of the highway were shut down due to heavy smoke, and traffic was diverted to the coastal road.
Initial reports suggest the fire was caused by a mechanical failure. The exact cause is under investigation.
Deputy President of the Democratic Rally (DISY) Efthymios Diplaros called for an immediate and thorough investigation by the Ministry of Defence and the National Guard, citing reports that the van may have been carrying more soldiers than permitted and that luggage was placed in the aisle, potentially hindering evacuation.
“This was not merely a mechanical issue. It was a warning,” Diplaros said in a statement. “The state has a duty to guarantee the safety of our soldiers.”
No injuries were reported.
Παραλίγο τραγωδία – Ζητώ άμεση διερεύνηση
— Efthimios Diplaros (@diplarose) July 5, 2025
Το βαν που μετέφερε στρατιώτες από το Τσίρειο στάδιο προς τη στάση των εθνοφρουρών στον Κλήρου τυλίχθηκε στις φλόγες εν κινήσει. Ο οδηγός, ευτυχώς, αντιλήφθηκε εγκαίρως τη φωτιά στη μηχανή και σταμάτησε το όχημα, επιτρέποντας στους… pic.twitter.com/liGzo3AtV9
