Two parallel investigations are under way into the fire that broke out at the Kalo Chorio firing range and spread towards Agia Anna and Psevdas, prompting Civil Defence to issue an evacuation order. The blaze started during an operation by the National Guard’s 70th Engineer Battalion to destroy RPG rockets.
Police investigators from Aradippou Police Station are examining whether any criminal liability arises, while the National Guard General Staff is investigating the disciplinary aspects of the case. The internal inquiry is being led by Brigadier Savvas Stefanou and is focusing on the causes, circumstances and chain of decision-making that led to the destruction of the ammunition.
This is the second serious incident at the same firing range within a few months, following the theft in March of 13.6 kilograms of a TNT mixture, which has yet to be recovered.
A key issue is whether an existing protocol was breached. Under the protocol, exercises involving heavy weapons and ammunition-disposal operations are avoided between May and September because high temperatures increase the risk of fire.
The investigations are focusing on who authorised the operation, which officers had been informed and how far up the military hierarchy the information had reached. The findings of the disciplinary inquiry are expected next week, when the possible suspension of those involved will also be considered.
The incident has further damaged the National Guard’s image, particularly as the March theft of 13.6 kilograms of TNT mixture from the same firing range remains unresolved. Meanwhile, a meeting has been scheduled between the Defence Minister and the community leaders of the affected areas.
Source: Phileleftheros
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