Three injured after advertising platform collapses at TEKNOFEST in northern Cyprus

Ercan, TRNC – May 1, 2025 — Three individuals were seriously injured on Thursday afternoon after a large advertising platform collapsed at the TEKNOFEST KKTC event site, held at the old Ercan Airport terminal. 

The incident occurred around 1:20 PM as severe winds caused the approximately 20-meter-tall iron structure to topple.

In an official statement, the Police Press Office identified the injured as 67-year-old Nurcihan Çaluda, 55-year-old Paul Savage, and 56-year-old Philip Micheal Conkie. All three were attending the festival when the 20-meter-high metal structure suddenly toppled over.

The fallen platform left Paul Savage, 55, critically injured. He is currently undergoing surgery at Dr. Burhan Nalbantoğlu State Hospital in Lefkosia. Philip Micheal Conkie, 56, underwent surgery and has since been placed under observation in the hospital's intensive care unit.

Nurcihan Çaluda, 67, sustained injuries to her head and arm after tripping and falling within the festival grounds prior to the platform collapse. On-site medical personnel treated her at the scene.

Authorities have launched a formal investigation to determine the circumstances leading to the incident and to assess safety measures at the festival site.

TEKNOFEST is a major technology and aviation event, drawing thousands of visitors. Organizers have yet to release a public statement regarding the collapse.