On the orders of Mr. Stavros Panikos, Deputy Chief of Police, a 44-year-old Special Police Officer was placed on administrative leave today after being involved in a traffic accident yesterday in Nicosia and tested positive for alcohol.

Both a criminal and a disciplinary investigation are underway against the 44-year-old.

It is recalled that the accident occurred on Thursday morning at the roundabout near Nicosia General Hospital, involving three vehicles.

Specifically, a car driven by a 44-year-old special police officer, who was off duty under circumstances currently being investigated by the police, collided with a vehicle ahead of it driven by a 43-year-old woman. As a result of the collision, the 42-year-old woman’s car was propelled forward and collided with a vehicle ahead of it driven by a 38-year-old man.

The collision caused a fire in the cars driven by the 44-year-old and the 42-year-old, completely destroying them, while damage was caused to the rear of the 38-year-old’s vehicle. The fire was extinguished by the Fire Department.

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The three drivers involved were transported by ambulance to Nicosia General Hospital, where they received first aid.

All three drivers were administered breathalyzer tests; the 44-year-old special constable tested positive with a final reading of 59 μg, compared to the legal limit of 22 μg. A further investigation revealed that the 44-year-old was driving his car without a valid insurance certificate.

Criminal and disciplinary proceedings are underway against the 44-year-old.