Hikers killed by flash flood in Greece

A flash flood swept away a group of hikers alongside a river in southern Greece, killing at least five people, police said today. Three others were missing.

The dead were only identified as four women and a man, all Greek nationals.

Police said the incident occurred late last night as a group of 18 Greek hikers, including two guides, were walking along the banks of the Lousios River, near the village of Dimitsana in the western Peloponnese, about 110 miles south-west of Athens.

A flash flood, caused by heavy rains, struck the group as they were trying to cross the river and swept eight people away, police said.

Rescuers are combing the area to locate the three missing hikers.