Hitchhiker killed by bike on motorway

AN 18-YEAR-old woman was killed in the early hours of yesterday when she was hit by a high-powered motorbike as she was walking on the Rizoelia-Dhekelia motorway with a friend.

According to police, victim Andri Ioannou and her friend, 16-year-old Violetta Angelou, who were both under the care of the Welfare Department, had hitchhiked from Nicosia to the Rizoelia roundabout and were in search of another car to drive them to a nightclub in Ayia Napa.

Tragedy struck while they were walking on the left hand side of the road, signalling at cars to stop near the Aradippou Veterinary Area.

Ioannou was hit by Nicolas Nonis, 26, a hairdresser from Xylophagou, whose motorbike skidded across the road. Nonis sprained his left arm after hitting the tarmac. His head was protected by his helmet.

Nonis’ motorbike was later hit by an oncoming car, driven by 62-year-old Anthony Quarrens from the UK, a permanent resident of Oroklini. Quarrens was not injured.
Angelou, who suffered a nervous breakdown at the scene, and Nonis were taken to Larnaca General Hospital for treatment.

The Welfare Department yesterday issued an announcement in connection with the case.

“In regard to the accident that took place at the Rizoelia roundabout in Larnaca, which resulted in the death of an 18-year-old and the injury of an underage girl, the Welfare Department are announcing that for reasons of personal data protection, of both the 18-year-old and underage girl, it will not be making any further statements concerning their personal cases.

“At the current stage, continuous efforts are being made to supply the underage girl with the best possible help and support.

“The Welfare Department is at the disposal of the families, to which it expresses its deepest sadness and sympathy.”

Police yesterday reminded the public that it was illegal for pedestrians to walk along the motorway.

The latest fatality brings to 31 the number of people killed on the roads in Cyprus so far this year.

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