Major Fire at Transformer Station in Nicosia: Kıb-Tek Suspects Sabotage

A large fire broke out early Monday morning at a transformer substation in Nicosia’s industrial zone. Officials at Kıb-Tek suspect it may have been an act of sabotage.

According to emergency services, the fire started at 4:30 AM in the cooling systems of two 132/22 kV transformers. The flames were brought under control thanks to the quick response of Electricity Authority personnel.

The blaze damaged four cooling fans and several electrical components, affecting the transformers’ ability to regulate temperature. However, Kıb-Tek’s General Director, Dalman Aydın, suggested that the fire may not have been accidental.

A joint preliminary investigation by Cypriot and Turkish electricity authorities revealed that both transformers caught fire simultaneously, despite the presence of overheating protection systems.

“Based on my experience, this fire was caused by external interference. That’s our initial assessment. It seems highly unlikely that two transformers would catch fire at the same time and in the same place under normal circumstances. We strongly suspect deliberate sabotage,” said Kıb-Tek’s director.

An official investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause of the fire.