27-Year-old Nigerian man among the dead in Cyprus collapse apartment building

A 27-year-old Nigerian man identified as Stanley was among the victim of a tragic apartment collapse in the Germasogeia area of Limassol in Cyprus on Saturday, raising serious concerns about building safety, negligence, and the treatment of migrant workers in Cyprus.

The eastern section of the Elka Dueling Court on Aeschylus Street collapsed shortly after 1:00 p.m., leaving the remainder of the structure split in two and leaning precariously. 

Stanley was among approximately 20 residents living in the 11-unit building when it suddenly collapsed on Saturday. Authorities have confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the disaster and whether any parties bear responsibility.

A close friend of the victim, Joanna Yiorkatzi, who may have been the last person to speak with him, described the living conditions in the building as “appalling” and dangerous. According to her, the apartment had long shown signs of severe structural decay, including large holes in the ceiling and exposed metal reinforcements hanging over the living space. She also said the flat frequently lacked electricity, forcing residents to rely on candles.

“I asked him, ‘My God, how do you live like this?’ and he replied, ‘When you are Black in this country, this is how they treat you,’” Yiorkatzi recounted.

She added that Stanley and his roommates had repeatedly warned the landlord about the state of the property, including the collapsing ceiling and electrical issues, but no meaningful repairs were carried out. Despite these conditions, Stanley—who worked for a solar panel company and was living in Cyprus legally—continued to pay his rent on time.

The two had been friends for over two years after meeting through a marathon running club. On the day of the incident, Yiorkatzi had picked him up for their regular run and dropped him back home at around 1:00 p.m. “Ten minutes later, he sent me a message thanking me for the lift. Then the disaster happened,” she said. “I kept calling him, but he didn’t answer.”

According to Yiorkatzi, a survivor identified as Raphael later told her that Stanley may have died after staying behind to help others escape instead of fleeing immediately.

Reports indicate that authorities had already deemed the building unsafe prior to the collapse. On March 26, 2026, the local housing authority officially classified the structure as “dangerous” and ordered its evacuation. However, residents reportedly did not vacate within the required timeframe.

Stanley had moved to Cyprus in search of a better life and was financially supporting his mother and six siblings in Nigeria.

The tragedy has reignited debate over housing conditions in Cyprus, particularly for migrant workers who may face limited and unsafe housing options.

“It is very tragic that these people come to our country for a better future and experience all of this,” Yiorkatzi said. “We are all human; I have nothing else to say.” 

Authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the collapse, including possible failures in enforcing safety regulations and determining accountability.