 The crater produced by the explosion, photographed in 2013 | |
| Native name | Έκρηξη στη ναυτική βάση «Ευάγγελος Φλωράκης» |
|---|---|
| Date | 11 July 2011 |
| Time | 05:50 EEST |
| Location | Mari, Cyprus |
| Coordinates | 34°43′41″N 33°17′08″E / 34.7281°N 33.2855°E |
| Type | Accidental explosion |
| Deaths | 13 |
| Non-fatal injuries | 62 |
On 11 July 2011, at Evangelos Florakis Naval Base, situated at Mari, Larnaca[1] in Cyprus, a large amount of ammunition and military explosives self-detonated, killing 13 people, including the Commander of the Cyprus Navy, Andreas Ioannides, the base commander, Lambros Lambrou, and six firefighters. A further 62 people were injured.[2][3][4] The explosion was the worst peacetime military accident ever recorded in Cyprus, with a yield of approximately 481 tons TNT equivalent, as determined by the official investigation into the accident.[5] It was the largest artificial non-nuclear explosion of the 21st century until the 2020 Beirut explosions.
- ^ Dewhurst, Patrick (11 July 2011). "Breaking News: huge explosion at Evangelos Florakis naval base". Cyprus Mail. Cyprus Mail Co. Ltd. Archived from the original on 12 July 2011. Retrieved 12 July 2011.
- ^ "Cyprus FM formally resigns over deadly blast". The Kansas City Star. Associated Press. 19 July 2011. Retrieved 24 July 2011.
- ^ "French, Greek experts join Cyprus blast probe". San Diego Union-Tribune. Associated Press. 12 July 2011. Retrieved 24 July 2011.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
beebwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "Official investigation concerning the causes and the responsibilities of state and other officials leading to the explosion" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 October 2011.