A two-year-old boy lost his life following a fall from a fourth-floor window at the King Evelthon Beach Hotel and Resort in Chlorakas, Cyprus.. This tragedy has prompted families of past victims to accuse local officials of valuing the tourism sector more than guest protection.

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Three British fataliteis at the King Evelthon resort

The death of the toddler on July 12 marks the third time a British tourist has died at this specific Paphos-area venue in just four years. This pattern of fatalities has created a sense of dread among frequent travelers to the region. According to the report, the resort has been the site of multiple tragedies, including the drowning of 21-year-old Ben Woods in July 2022 and the death of six-year-old Ruaridh Nairne in October 2023.

The recurring nature of these incidents suggests that the King Evelthon Beach Hotel and Resort may be facing systemic safety challenges. While the 2022 and 2023 deaths involved drowning in the hotel pool, the recent fall from a fourth-floor window highlights a different, equally lethal vulnerability within the property's infrastructure.

The 1.1-metre ledge vs. the 10cm UK safety standard

A significant discrepancy exists between international safety expectations and local Cypriot regulations regarding window safety. The report notes that while UK health and safety guidelines recommend that windows large enough for a child to fall through should be restricted to an openng of 10cm or less, Cyprus law only requires a ledge at least 1.1 metres tall.. The King Evelthon complies with the local law, yet the transparency of its glass creates a unique hazard.

The father of the deceased toddler, a 37-year-old City banker, reportedly placed his son on the ledge while waiting for an elevator, believing the window was already closed because the glass is completely clear. The report highlights a chilling detail: when investigators visited the hotel this week, the large fourth-floor window through which the child fell was still left wide open.

Lifeguard negligence and the 2022 Ben Woods drowning

The history of accidents at the resort includes allegations of staff negligence during previous emergencies. During the 2022 drowning of Ben Woods, witnesses reported that lifeguards were distracted by their mobile phones as the young man collapsed in the pool. Furthermore, Dawn Wingfield, a witness to the event,claimed that when staff finally arrived with a defibrillator, they appeared to lack proper training.

The family of Ben Woods attempted to pursue legal action through a local lawyer, but they were informed there was no criminal process available after a judge ruled the incident was a straightforward drowning.. This perceived lack of accountability has fueled the anger of families who feel the hotel's operations are shielded from scrutiny.

What the Department of Labour Inspection has not disclosed

Several critical questions remain unanswered following the toddler's fall and the subsequent legal proceedings against the child's father, who is charged with causing death by a reckless or dangerous act. the following points remain unverified or undisclosed:

  • The findings of the Department of Labour Inspection: While the department investigates these fatalities, the report notes that their findings are not made public, leaving families in the dark.
  • Private safety audits: The hotel utilizes a private health and safety consultant, but the reports generated by this consultant are not shared with the public or the families of victims.
  • The hotel's immediate response: It remains unclear why management has not implemented warning signs or physical locks on the sliding glass panes following these repeated tragedies.