A blast at a munitions depot on the southern coast of Cyprus has killed 12 people and injured 30.
Reports say it has knocked out the main electricity supply, leaving a third of southern Cyprus without power.
The early morning blast, near a naval base in the fishing village of Zygi, is also causing havoc on the roads between the major tourist resorts of Limassol and Larnaca.
Reuters reported that the force of the blast was felt at nearby resorts, blowing out the doors and windows of beachside restaurants and hotels.
Reports on British Forces News said: “It is understood a store of munitions, seized from a vessel heading to Syria from Iran in 2009 was at the heart of the explosion,†said the British Forces News report.
“Fire damage to the power station has meant the majority of the south of the island has no power including the British military bases of RAF Akrotiri, Episkopi, Dhekelia and Ayios Nikolaus.â€
by Bev Fearis
