Congolese man dies after fall during immigration raid in Larnaca

Larnaca, Cyprus. Authorities on Thursday identified the man who fell to his death earlier this week while trying to escape a raid by immigration officers in Larnaca as a Congolese national. Police said he was 46.

Background

The deceased had been an asylum seeker whose application was rejected, and he had been residing on the island illegally.

Related: Man, 31, critically injured in fall at Larnaca factory

RelatedMan, 31, critically injured in fall at Larnaca factory

The incident

The man was among three people who jumped from a third-floor balcony during the immigration raid. He sustained serious head trauma after falling to the street and was rushed to Larnaca General Hospital, where he died at around 10pm on Wednesday.

The other two men who jumped managed to land on a balcony below and suffered minor injuries.

Vigil and building concerns

On Thursday evening, several people held a vigil for the man at the same building where the incident occurred. They lit candles and prayed for the deceased.

The apartment complex has previously drawn the attention of local authorities, with reports saying the buildings had also been examined by the Larnaca district local government organisation, EOA, because they were considered potentially dangerous structures.