1:03am UK, Monday December 06, 2010
Seven cyclists have died after being struck head-on by a car in the south of Italy.
The victims were knocked down in Marinella Sant'Eufemia near Lamezia Terme as they enjoyed a leisurely ride together.
A police spokesman said the driver had tested positive for marijuana and preliminary investigations revealed that his car was speeding.
When the paramedics arrived they were confronted by a scene of carnage with bent, mangled bikes strewn about the scene, next to bodies of victims.
Police are examining the car involved in the crash for evidence
A further four people were injured.
It is understood that the Moroccan driver of the car and his 10-year-old son were among the injured.
The driver has now been charged with multiple counts of manslaughter.
The car ran headfirst into the group of cyclists who were riding in the opposite direction on state road 18, according to the highway authority, ANSA.
An ANSA spokesman said the driver was trying to pass another car when he hit the group.
The cyclists were enjoying a ride together in the south of Italy
Visibility and driving conditions were good at the time, reports said. The road was closed by authorities.
It is common in Italy to see groups of amateur cyclists taking to small state roads on weekends.
ANSA said the group hit Sunday was affiliated with a local Lamezia Terme gym.
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