PARALIMNI: The memorial service of the "Helios" plane tragedy was held (PICTURES)

This year marks 18 years since that fateful "Helios" flight where 121 souls were lost forever

IMG 9745 2 exclusive, Air Crash Helios, Memorial

The memorial services of the 13 people from Paralimni, who lost their lives in the plane crash of August 16, 14, when the "Helios" plane they were on, crashed at the Attica Grammar School, were held today, Sunday, August 2005, at the Holy Church of Agios Georgios.

IMG 9740 2 exclusive, Air Crash Helios, Memorial

The memorial prayer was chanted in the presence of relatives, friends and fellow residents of the 16 victims, the head of the Metropolitan Vasiliios of Constantia and Famagusta, while the Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis, the Mayor of Paralimni Theodoros Pyrillis and members of parliament were present.

IMG 9742 2 exclusive, Air Crash Helios, Memorial

The retired Air Force Brigadier General Andronikos Xydos recited a poem in memory of the victims of the air tragedy.

In his statements, the Deputy Minister of Tourism said that "we are here to pay tribute to the victims of a very tragic event that happened 18 years ago. As is known, 121 of our compatriots lost their lives."

Let us hope, he continued, "that we will never again have such incidents in our country, but also worldwide."

This was followed by a procession and laying of wreaths on the graves of the 16 victims, in the Paralimni cemetery.

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Source: KYPE / Images: Municipality of Paralimni