Mag 5.8 earthquake strikes Greece & Turkey leaving 1 dead & dozens injured as ‘panicked locals jumped off buildings’
A HUGE 5.8 magnitude earthquake has struck Greece and Turkey killing one person and leaving fearful locals jumping off buildings.
The quake struck just after 2am local time this morning (12am BST) about 42miles deep and just off the coast of southwest Turkey.
Tragically, a 14-year-old girl died in the resort town of Fethiye in Turkey from a panic attack, while dozens of people have been injured.
Some 70 people were injured as they rushed to safety, including some who “jumped from heights due to panic” in the nearby city of Mugla, according to Turkey’s internal minister.
Seven people were injured after jumping from windows or balconies in a panic, the governor of the Turkish resort town of Marmaris, Idris Akbiyik, said.
The quake was felt along the Turquoise Coast and in neighbouring regions, including in the Greek island of Rhodes, waking many from their sleep.
The island is popular with Brit holidaymakers and lies only 18miles south of the epicentre.
Are you currently on holiday in Turkey or Greece and felt the earthquake? Please get in touch with james.halpin@the-sun.co.uk
Brits on holiday on the island shared their shock at the shaking on social media.
One said: “Nothing like being woke up while on the 5th floor building in Rhodes, while a earthquake is violently shaking the building! Something i can tick off the list!”
Another posted: “Nothing quite like a 6.6 magnitude earthquake to wake you up in the middle of the night in Rhodes…”
While a third wrote: “Just experienced an earthquake on the last night of our holiday in Rhodes! That was crazy. Hotel rocked like a baby’s cradle!! Hope everyone is OK.”
Brit holiday company TUI told customers currently holidaying on the resort island that local authorities were assessing the situation.
They said: “At this time, there are no reports of significant damage or injuries. As a precaution, please remain calm and follow any safety instructions provided by your accommodation or local officials.
“Should any specific action be required on your part, rest assured that we will contact you directly with further guidance. Your safety and well-being are our top priority.”
Of those injured, 14 were treated at the scene, eight were briefly treated then discharged and another 46 were being treated in hospital, Turkey’s internal minister said.
There are no reports of injuries in Greece and the quake was felt as far away as Egypt.
The Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency said the earthquake was centred in the Mediterranean Sea and struck at 2.17am.