A peaceful evening on the idyllic Greek island of Zakynthos turned into a scene of horror as a shooting rampage claimed the lives of a couple and left ten others wounded in a popular tourist area.
The violent incident unfolded in the early hours of Friday morning in the bustling resort of Laganas, known for its vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches that attract thousands of British tourists each year.
Night of Terror on Holiday Island
According to local authorities, a lone gunman opened fire indiscriminately in a crowded area filled with bars and restaurants. Emergency services rushed to the scene as panicked tourists scrambled for safety.
The two victims, a man and woman believed to be British tourists, were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities have not yet been officially released pending notification of next of kin.
Multiple Casualties and Panic
Among the ten injured victims, several are reported to be in serious condition and have been transported to local hospitals for emergency treatment. The casualties include both tourists and local residents caught in the crossfire.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and confusion as the shooting erupted without warning. "We heard popping sounds and people started screaming and running in all directions," one British tourist told reporters. "It was absolute pandemonium."
International Response and Investigation
Greek police have launched a massive manhunt for the suspect, who fled the scene following the shooting. Roadblocks have been established around the island, and additional police resources have been deployed from mainland Greece.
The Foreign Office has confirmed they are providing support to affected British nationals and are in close contact with Greek authorities. A spokesperson stated: "We are assisting British people following an incident in Zakynthos and are in touch with local authorities."
This tragic event raises serious concerns about tourist safety in popular Mediterranean destinations and is likely to prompt security reviews across the Greek islands during peak holiday season.