An elderly man has died and four other people remain hospitalised following a suspected poisoning incident in Larnaca, with police continuing investigations into the circumstances surrounding both the incident and the death.
According to police, the case concerns a 78-year-old man who died on Saturday, as well as four individuals who were admitted to hospital after reportedly feeling unwell during a gathering at the man’s home.
The incident unfolded over two days. On Saturday, the wife of the 78-year-old man reportedly felt unwell and was taken to hospital. Shortly afterwards, her husband died at the house.
On Sunday, friends and acquaintances gathered at the home to offer support to the family. During the gathering, which included coffee and refreshments, three people reportedly lost consciousness and were taken to hospital.
Police said that four people in total are now being treated at Larnaca General Hospital. Three of them are reported to be in good condition, while the fourth, a man, remains intubated, although his condition shows positive signs of improvement.
Two of the hospitalised individuals were administered antidotes as a precaution for possible poisoning.
Investigations are under way into whether an unknown liquid substance may have been consumed by those present. Food and drink samples from the house have been taken for scientific analysis to determine what may have caused the incident.
Police are also examining any potential links to a drug-related case involving the deceased couple’s son, who had previously been arrested in connection with the possession of liquid drugs. Authorities stress that investigations into any possible connection are ongoing.
The house remains cordoned off and under police guard.
A post-mortem examination on the body of the 78-year-old man was scheduled to be carried out on Monday morning at Nicosia General Hospital by state pathologists, as authorities seek to clarify the exact cause of death.