Police investigators on Wednesday retraced the route taken by four men who died later in a large forest fire, which also destroyed everything inside an area of 55 square kilometres.

The Cyprus News Agency said Larnaca CID officers travelled to the village of Odou as part of an investigation into the death of the four Egyptian nationals.

Though they have not been formally identified yet, the victims were named as Morzok Shady Morzok, Hisa Melad Farouk, Ezat Salama Josef and Maged Nabil Yonan, aged 35, 29, 28 and 24.

They were seasonal workers who resided in the area. They were trying to escape the blaze on Saturday when their vehicle apparently fell in a ravine, forcing them to flee on foot.

However, they were overwhelmed by the flames and were found dead the next morning.

Investigators followed the route taken by the four men, from the place where they were staying, in the Odou area of Paliampela, to the location where they were found.

Their identities will be confirmed through DNA.

Trade union Peo on called on the labour ministry to conduct an investigation into the employment status and working conditions of the men.

“We expect the labour ministry to act promptly so they can provide answers to everyone and assign responsibilities where they exist,” Peo said.