National Guard appoints investigator into Kalo Chorio firing range fire

Kalo Chorio, Cyprus. The National Guard on Tuesday appointed Brigadier General Savvas Stefanou as criminal investigator to examine a fire at the Kalo Chorio firing range on Monday afternoon, which led to a blaze in two nearby villages.

The fire prompted evacuations and road closures before being contained by the fire brigade at around 8pm.

Investigation ordered

The National Guard described Stefanou’s appointment as an essential and necessary step towards a comprehensive and objective investigation.

It said the investigation was needed to determine the exact circumstances of the fire.

Minister’s response

Defence Minister Vassilis Palmas said on Monday that the ministry had already ordered an investigation into the incident.

“It will be investigated why they proceeded to let these munitions off with tragic results, fortunately without threatening human lives and destroying property,” he said.

Palmas said responsibility lies with the 70th engineers battalion and added that such explosions are prohibited during the summer months.