The electromechanical services department was on Monday working to determine whether a fire at a house in Limassol, in which a family of five died, was caused by a short circuit in the electrical installation, a faulty device, or in any other electrical problem.

The service was called in to assist in the police and fire department investigations.

Speaking to CyBC on Monday morning, fire brigade spokesman Andreas Kettis said the damage to the property was so extensive that the fire brigade had been unable to reach any certain conclusion to its cause.

The investigation will now continue with the participation of a specially trained team.

Meanwhile, the Limassol municipality announced that it would fully cover the funeral costs for all five victims, expressing its “deepest sorrow” over the incident.

“The entire city is mourning the loss of the family and our thoughts are with their loved ones. From the first moment, our municipality’s competent services, in collaboration with the central government, have been by the side of the victims’ family, providing all the possible support,” it said.

It added that temporary housing has already been secured for the other people who lived in the building, while also pointing out the wider factors relating to the tragedy.

“This tragic incident highlights issues related to living conditions, building safety, and the general housing crisis facing Limassol. The city faces serious challenges in terms of affordable housing, the safety of older buildings, and access for vulnerable groups to decent living conditions,” it said.

On this matter, it said a frank discussion on housing policy “cannot wait any longer, as it is a matter of dignity, safety, quality of life, and social justice”.

The tragedy had raised questions as to the prevalence of poor-quality appliances, adaptor plugs and extensions, and the degree to which regulation for their import is sufficient.

Adaptors are widely used and provided in shops which sell electrical appliances outfitted with European two-pin plugs.Using the appliance with a European plug, through an adaptor or by other means, increases the risk of fire, experts have said. Replacing the two-pin with a standard three-pin plug would be the safer option, despite resulting in forfeit of the appliance’s warranty.

Appliances, adaptors and extension plugs brought in from China must be better monitored, they said.

The manner of inspection of electricity installations in private households and other premises has also come under scrutiny. At present the first inspection is carried out by the electricity authority (EAC), which is also legally to carry out an inspection any time changes are made to the installation.

Only EAC-certified electricians are permitted to carry out the first inspection, while currently subsequent ones may be carried out by other electricians.

Sample checks are carried out by the state on products for sale which are imported after being evaluated in laboratories abroad.

“The checks and recalls carried out in Cyprus prove that the control system is active and effective on a par with data from other EU member states,” the works ministry, under which the electromechanical services operate, said, adding the goal is to “upgrade safety and withdraw products

The fire in Limassol was reported at around 4am on Saturday and four fire engines were at the scene within minutes. The family home was on the second floor and modifications had been made to it, using plywood and other makeshift materials, authorities reported.

A father, aged 35, a mother aged 33, and their three children, aged seven, three and two died in the tragedy. They were identified as Bassem Adeeb Gamil Takla and Maria Georgiou. The oldest two children were girls and the youngest a boy.