Pedestrian in fatal traffic accident identified

The pedestrian who was struck and killed by a vehicle along the Nicosia-Kokkinotrimithia highway has been identified as 28-year-old Jean Baptiste Lizongo Mokonza.

The police detailed on Thursday that the fatal crash occurred at 6.30pm on Wednesday when a 72-year-old was driving her car along the stretch of highway near the Pournara reception centre.

The police explained that the vehicle struck Mokonza as he was attempting to cross the highway. A second car then hit the back of the 72-year-old’s vehicle. The lanes towards Troodos were closed for hours by the police due to the severity of the incident.

Both drivers were subjected to alcohol and narcotests which both returned negative.

The 28-year-old was transported to the Nicosia general hospital where doctors confirmed his death. Both drivers were taken to the hospital by ambulance where they received first aid and were later discharged.

The incident has reignited the debate over the daily crossing of pedestrians between the Pournara reception centre and the highway.

The Cyprus Mail reported in May 2021 that motorists had alerted the authorities as to their concerns over people crossing the highway on foot.

Users on social media stated on Thursday that it was only a matter of time until such a fatal incident occurred.