Man run down by drunk driver after stopping to answer the phone

A CIVIL engineer was run over and killed late on Thursday afternoon after complying with new laws against using a mobile phone while driving.

Elias Georgiou Siammas, 43, was knocked over by a vehicle driven by Sigma journalist Apostolos Vassiliou, 36, at approximately 7.15pm.

The accident occurred near the Yermasoyia roundabout on the Limassol to Nicosia highway. Siammas had stopped on the side of the road to answer the phone and got out of his car to get better reception.

Vassiliou was arrested after he failed an alcotest carried out at the scene. He has been charged and released.

The victim was married with one child.