6 killed as car drives into crowd in Northern Italy

ROME - Six people were left dead and 11 others injured early Sunday after a car plowed into a group of German tourists in the northern region of Bolzano.

According to reports, the incident took place at around 1 am local time (0000 GMT) in the Italian town of Luttach in the Ahrntal Valley, an area popular for skiing.

The death toll could rise further since at least two of the injured are in serious condition. All of the injured have been taken to the hospital for treatment.

Over 160 members of Italy's rescue services were dispatched to the scene.

The casualties were German holiday-makers who came to the region on a ski trip. They were believed to have been on their way back from a club when the tragedy occurred.

The victims have yet to be identified though reports said all were residents of northern Germany.

The driver, 28, has been detained and was expected to be investigated for homicide. He had a high alcohol blood content when police first arrived.

The largely German-speaking region of northern Italy is a popular tourist destination due to its ski resorts and quaint villages around Bolzano.