A major road in Cyprus was given back to traffic on Tuesday afternoon after a gas leak from a tanker sparked a large emergency response earlier in the day.

Police shut both directions of the Larnaca-Kofinou motorway, near the Kofinou weighbridge, when liquefied petroleum gas began leaking from a private company’s tanker.

Officers rushed to the scene alongside the fire service, which deployed crews from the special disaster response unit (Emak) with two fire engines. Firefighters worked to cool the tanker while following all safety procedures, officials said.

Fire service spokesman Andreas Kettis confirmed that two more fire engines from the Larnaca and Vasiliko stations were sent to help manage the incident.

Police urged drivers to stay away from the area. Traffic is being diverted onto alternative routes.

Motorists travelling between Larnaca and Kofinou were directed through the village of Anglisides and onto the old Larnaca-Kofinou road.

Authorities did not report any injuries or explosions. The situation remained under close control, while the road closure caused significant disruption.