Ukrainian woman’s death still a mystery

The cause of death of a Ukrainian woman who was killed in a Nicosia downtown fire remains unknown following an autopsy on Thursday.

(Click here for an update to the story)

State forensic pathologist Sofocles Sofocleous, who conducted the post mortem on the 42-year-old victim, said the autopsy did not clarify the circumstances of her death.

According to local media, a request for a toxicology report is currently pending, which could possibly shed light on the case.

The victim, who arrived on the island in December in search of a new beginning, was found dead in her apartment right above a café bar which was targeted by arson.

On Wednesday morning, the Fire Department received an emergency call just before 3am regarding a powerful explosion and raging fire on the ground floor on Costakis Pandelides Street.

Residents living upstairs all evacuated except the Ukrainian woman, who was found dead two hours later after fire fighters had managed to extinguish the fire.

Police said her own apartment was above the explosion but with “with no physical connection to the bar” downstairs. No information was made available as per the exact location of the body or what circumstances might have made her unable to leave the apartment. The manner of death, such as whether it was homicide, accident, or other, also remains unclear.

A 32-year-old Syrian national has been identified as a possible suspect. He is wanted by police for questioning, while the owner of the bar reportedly said he did not have business disputes with anyone.