**Police Officer Suspended for Drunk Driving After Nicosia Crash**
A 44-year-old police officer has been suspended from duty following a serious road collision in Nicosia on Thursday. The incident occurred at the Nicosia general hospital roundabout, where the officer, who was off duty at the time, was involved in a three-vehicle crash that has now led to both criminal and disciplinary investigations.
The collision involved the officer's vehicle and a car driven by a 43-year-old woman. According to police reports, the officer's vehicle collided with the woman's car, causing her vehicle to be pushed into a third car operated by a 38-year-old man. The impact resulted in both the officer's vehicle and the woman's vehicle catching fire, while the third vehicle sustained damage primarily to its rear.
Emergency services responded promptly to the scene, with firefighters extinguishing the flames that engulfed the two vehicles. Ambulances were also dispatched to transport all three drivers to the nearby Nicosia general hospital, where they received necessary first aid treatment. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported among the involved parties.
Following the crash, police conducted breathalyser tests on all three drivers. The results indicated that the officer had a blood alcohol content reading of 59 micrograms, significantly exceeding the legal limit of 22 micrograms. Additionally, a subsequent check revealed that the officer had been operating his vehicle without a valid MOT certificate, raising further concerns regarding his conduct.
Deputy Police Chief Panikos Stavrou ordered the suspension of the officer in light of these findings. The suspension underscores the police force's commitment to maintaining high standards of conduct among its members, particularly in cases involving public safety.
The ongoing investigations aim to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident, including the factors that led to the crash and the officer's state of sobriety at the time of the accident. The police department has stated that it will take appropriate measures based on the outcomes of the investigations.
This incident has sparked discussions about road safety and the responsibilities of law enforcement officers, especially when off duty. The police force has reiterated its dedication to ensuring that all officers adhere to the law and uphold the trust placed in them by the community.
As the investigation progresses, further updates are expected regarding both the criminal and disciplinary proceedings against the officer involved in this incident.