**Investigations Ongoing into Limassol Balcony Collapse**
Authorities in Limassol are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the collapse of a fifth-floor balcony at the Rousos Olympic Palace complex, which occurred on Thursday morning. The incident, which took place around 10 a.m., resulted in the balcony crashing onto the one below it, prompting immediate action from Civil Defence officials.
In response to the collapse, Civil Defence evacuated all 56 apartments within the building, located at the intersection of Georgios Katsounotos and Christodoulos Hadjipavlou streets. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported as a result of the incident.
Yiannis Tsouloftas, chairman of the Limassol EOA (Building and Housing Authority), confirmed that this is not the first incident involving a balcony in the complex. He noted that a similar collapse had occurred in 2022, raising concerns about the structural integrity of the building. Following the latest collapse, the EOA collaborated with Civil Defence to ensure the safety of residents, acting on an order from the interior ministry.
Tenants affected by the evacuation were temporarily relocated to alternative accommodations for a few days while assessments and repairs are planned. Tsouloftas emphasized that the owners of the apartments must engage a civil engineer to conduct necessary repairs and ensure the building is safe for habitation.
The Rousos Olympic Palace complex consists of two blocks, with Block A housing 38 flats and Block B, where the balcony fell, containing 18 flats. The building had previously been flagged as dangerous, and evacuation orders had been initiated through a solicitor's office.
The situation in Limassol is part of a broader concern regarding building safety in the area. Currently, there are approximately 1,100 buildings listed as dangerous in Limassol. This incident follows a similar evacuation earlier this month, when two balconies from a different block of flats collapsed onto the street below.
In light of these recurring issues, the Cyprus property developers' association recently called for more stringent measures, advocating for regular technical inspections of buildings and expedited legislation concerning dangerous structures. The association expressed urgency, stating that "there is no longer any room for further delays" in addressing the safety of buildings in the region.
As investigations continue, local authorities are under pressure to enhance building safety protocols and ensure the well-being of residents in Limassol.