A 31-year-old man was in a critical condition on Thursday after falling from a height of about five metres while working at a factory in Larnaca.

The man was rushed to Larnaca general hospital, and then transferred to Nicosia general hospital.

According to the police, they were alerted to the accident at around 5.40pm.

Under circumstances being investigated, the man sustained critical injuries after he fell to the ground from a height of five metres.

The Labour Inspection Department has ordered the factory in question to suspend operations while the investigation is ongoing.

A crane truck broke down on the Larnaca to Nicosia highway on Thursday, partially blocking the left lane about one kilometre from the Rizoelia roundabout towards Nicosia, during heavy rainfall.

The vehicle was immobilised in the emergency lane and part of the left lane, with police officers at the scene working to move it.

Heavy rainfall across Cyprus is also affecting road conditions, with reduced visibility and water accumulating on roads, making surfaces slippery.

Police have urged motorists to drive carefully, reduce their speed and remain alert to changing conditions.

The situation may change as weather conditions develop, police said, adding that the update reflected road conditions at 12.15pm.