Car crash abroad

Two people have been killed and three British backpackers injured after a 4x4 crashed on a beach in Australia.

Ian Davy, 22, from West Yorkshire, and an Italian woman were killed when the 4x4 they were travelling in along a stretch of sand at Dundaburra, Fraser Island, Queensland, rolled over.

It is thought the 4x4 rolled after swerving to avoid an incoming wave. Photos of the wreckage show the vehicle was badly damaged.

A spokesman for the British High Commission in Canberra said four other Britons in their early 20s have been injured, one of whom is in intensive care at a Brisbane Hospital.

Spokesman Clive Hunton said two of the backpackers did not have life-threatening injuries and are "doing well" in hospital, while the other backpacker has been released from a hospital over the weekend.

Four other European tourists and the driver on board the vehicle were also injured, at least one critically, in the crash at the popular camping area of the island.

Visitors often travel round the area in 4x4s to visit local beauty spots including lakes.

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Clive Garner from Irwin Mitchell Solicitors said: "This is a serious accident and we are saddened to hear of the death of two Britons and the serious injuries of four others, one of whom is still in intensive care.

"Over the years we have represented many British clients who have been injured in such accidents abroad or the families of those who have tragically been killed in these disasters. As a result we have repeatedly called for stricter safety measures to protect tourists. More needs to be done to avoid such tragic incidents."