2 die, over 200 hurt as 6.7-magnitude quake hits Greek, Turkey tourist resorts

A Swedish tourist and a Turkish visitor were killed on the Greek island of Kos after a powerful earthquake rocked parts of Greece and Turkey in the early hours of Friday leaving over 200 injured, police said.

The victims were two men aged 27 and 39, respectively. Both were inside a bar when the temblor struck at 1.30 a.m., causing the ceiling to collapse and crushing them to death, Efe news reported.

Civil protection officials said that 90 people had been rushed to several hospitals on the island, although 75 were discharged after receiving first aid.

Of the remaining 15 injured, five who were in serious condition were transferred to other hospitals outside the island. The US Geological Survey said the earthquake reached a magnitude of 6.7 on the Richter scale, but Greek authorities put the figure lower at 6.4.

The effects of the quake were felt by people miles away from the epicentre. Many ran from their homes or holiday apartments with pillows and blankets.

Around 200,000 tourists were on the island at the time of the quake, said Konstantina Svinou, President of the Hoteliers Association of Kos.

It caused extensive damage to Kos' historical centre. The port also suffered considerable damage, the Greek deputy Minister for Maritime Affairs and the Islands, Nektarios Santorinios, told Greece's state broadcaster after visiting Kos. Santorinios added that large vessels would be unable to dock at the port for some time.