Newsroom
A fire destroyed the former Corner Pub beer hall in the Agioi Omologites neighbourhood of Nicosia on Wednesday afternoon, bringing down the roof of the long-established building before firefighters brought the situation under control.
The Fire Service said the abandoned structure on Demostheni Severi Avenue was fully engulfed when crews arrived. Five fire engines, including a telescopic ladder vehicle, were deployed to contain the blaze and protect nearby buildings from damage.
The area around the former beer hall includes The Presidential Palace, a Wargaming office building, the offices of the Agioi Omologites Ladies' Philoptochos Benevolent Society, embassy residences, apartment buildings and private homes. A children's park is located directly across the street at one corner of the property, while a post office stands on the opposite corner, making the protection of neighbouring properties.
Firefighters remained at the scene after the flames were brought under control to carry out final extinguishing work inside the building.
A witness said thick smoke could be seen rising from the building, while the smell of burning lingered in the area for some time after the fire had been extinguished.
Corner was one of Nicosia's best-known beer halls and has long been recognised as a landmark in the capital.
Fire Service spokesman Andreas Kettis said the cause of the fire will be examined by the Nicosia District Fire Stations Officer and the Nicosia Duty Officer in cooperation with police.
Video recorded at the scene showed firefighters using several fire engines as they worked to extinguish the blaze.
