Police have arrested a 38-year-old man who suffered serious burns in an incident at a petrol station in Larnaca district on Friday night.
The man had been receiving treatment at Nicosia General Hospital after suffering second- and third-degree burns to his legs and right arm.
He was discharged from hospital on Saturday morning at his own request. At around 3.30pm, he went to Larnaca Airport intending to travel to the country where he normally resides.
Police officers arrested him at the airport under a court warrant issued as part of the investigation, according to a statement from the Police.
Following his arrest, he was taken back to Nicosia General Hospital because of the seriousness of his injuries and was admitted to the Burns Intensive Care Unit. His condition is not considered life-threatening.
Police investigate negligent and reckless acts
Police are investigating a case involving alleged negligent and reckless acts in connection with the injuries suffered by the 38-year-old and a 32-year-old man who was driving the vehicle in which he was travelling.
At around 11.45pm on Friday, the two men arrived in the 32-year-old’s car at a petrol station in Larnaca district to refuel.
According to the evidence being examined by investigators, the 38-year-old was standing near the fuel pump during refuelling when he lit a cigarette lighter, causing an ignition and subsequent fire.
People living nearby used a fire extinguisher to put out the flames. The fire damaged the 32-year-old’s car and the fuel dispensing equipment.
Police and Fire Service officers attended the scene to investigate, while an ambulance crew transported both men to Larnaca General Hospital.
One man discharged after treatment
Medical examinations found that the 32-year-old had suffered a superficial burn to his left hand. He was treated and subsequently discharged.
The 38-year-old suffered second- and third-degree burns to his legs and right arm and was transferred to Nicosia General Hospital for further treatment.
Police said the man was discharged on Saturday morning at his own request before later travelling to Larnaca Airport, where he was arrested under the court warrant.
He remains in hospital under police custody in the Burns Intensive Care Unit. His condition is described as stable and not life-threatening.
The Kofinou Regional Police Station is continuing its investigation.
Source: CNA
