Investigation continues into restaurant worker’s death

Police said on Monday they are investigating unnatural death in connection with a labour accident earlier in the month when a 25-year-old woman was killed after shelves fell on her in a storeroom at her workplace in Nicosia.

“Concerning the labour accident that caused the death of Odyssea Iacovou, police are investigating unnatural death, while the labour inspection department is investigating offences falling within the sphere of its responsibilities for safety and health at work,” police announced.

It also said that from the first moment, they have been in close and constant cooperation with officials of the labour inspection department.

The scene was examined by a state pathologist, police said, while they are expecting the post mortem report and the report of the labour inspection department to submit the case file to the legal services for further instructions. A number of testimonies has also been taken.

“The police wish to express their warmest condolences for the unexpected loss of the departed, and to reassure that they will do their utmost for full investigation of the case,” the announcement said.

The 25-year-old woman was crushed by shelves while at work in a Nicosia restaurant on May 12.

Iacovou went to get something from the storeroom and died when one of the metal shelves holding drinks and water containers toppled on top of her.

The incident happened at around 1pm and although first aid was given at the scene, she did not respond and her death was confirmed at Nicosia general hospital. It later emerged that the shelf that fell on her was not properly screwed into the wall.

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