Lightning strike destroys café in Lara, Paphos

In the early hours of Friday, September 18, 2026, a metal-structured café in the protected Lara area of the Paphos district was extensively damaged by a fire triggered by a lightning strike. The incident occurred during severe weather conditions that have been affecting the region. The Paphos Fire Service received the call at 02:55 and dispatched two fire engines from the Polis Chrysochous Fire Station to the scene.

Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control by 04:44. The intense heat caused significant structural failure, leading to the collapse of the café's tin roof into the interior of the building. Official investigations conducted following the incident confirmed that the ignition was caused by a lightning strike. Local authorities have noted that this event took place amid a broader period of unstable weather, including a yellow warning for storms and heavy rainfall across the district.