Ambulance delayed by security gate at Larnaca seafront

On the evening of Friday, September 11, 2026, an ambulance was delayed for three minutes in Larnaca after finding its path blocked by a security gate leading to the Finikoudes seafront. The incident, which was captured on video by a witness and shared on social media, shows the emergency vehicle idling while its crew sounded the siren and horn to gain access. A police officer present at the scene eventually intervened to open the gate.

According to Riana Konstantinou, head of the Ambulance Service, the vehicle was responding to an urgent call, and the gate was the only available route to the location. An event was taking place at the seafront at the time, which accounted for the restricted access. Despite the three-minute delay, authorities confirmed that the patient’s health was not negatively impacted by the incident.

While the delay sparked public concern regarding emergency response protocols in pedestrianized areas, the Ambulance Service has formally acknowledged the event. There were no reports of further investigation or administrative actions announced regarding the specific gate management procedures following the incident.