Alpha News

One Dead, Four Ill in Cyprus Water Contamination Case

Published January 8, 2026, 11:25

A 78-year-old man has died and four people have been hospitalized with symptoms of poisoning after consuming water contaminated with the chemical substance GBL at a residence in Larnaca, Cyprus. The condition of the hospitalized individuals has improved significantly and they are expected to be discharged. Police have arrested the couple's son for possession of narcotics, but no connection has been established with the water contamination. Authorities are investigating how the GBL substance ended up in the water cooler and are awaiting the results of laboratory tests to determine the exact cause of death and the extent of the contamination. The case has raised concerns, and authorities are investigating all possible aspects.