A deadly fire that claimed the lives of a five-member family in Limassol last weekend is now under official investigation, with authorities focusing on a possible electrical fault as the cause.

A report from the department of electrical and mechanical services has been submitted to the ministry of transport, citing a television as the most likely ignition source. However, investigators are also examining the role of a heater found in the same room where the fire started.

At the same time, the Cyprus police headquarters has received a preliminary fact-finding report from the department’s specialist team. This report will aid the Limassol criminal investigation department (CID) in its ongoing inquiry.

Officials have been scrutinising whether the heater in the apartment was a defective model, as initial findings indicate it was left on overnight to provide warmth.

Authorities suspect that the parents, a 35-year-old father and a 33-year-old mother, attempted to protect their three young children as the fire spread. However, preliminary evidence suggests they did not manage to leave their bedrooms. Investigators are now examining whether they were overcome by smoke inhalation before they could escape.

An autopsy conducted by forensic pathologist Orthodoxos Orthodoxou revealed that all five victims had inhaled a significant amount of soot. Additional samples have been collected for further scientific analysis to determine the precise cause of death.

The funeral will take place on Saturday, February 22, at 10am at the church of Saint Nicholas in the Ayios Nikolaos parish of Limassol. The burial will follow at Sfalangiotissa cemetery. The funeral will be held at public expense, with the family requesting donations in lieu of wreaths.

As the community mourns, authorities continue their investigation into the fire’s cause and whether any safety failures contributed to the tragedy. The case has also reignited concerns about electrical safety in households, particularly during colder months when heating devices are in constant use.

More findings are expected in the coming days as forensic examinations progress.