Belgian tourist dies, others missing, in Greece wildfires

A Belgian man has died and five other Belgians remain unaccounted for in Greece's worst forest fire disaster in a decade.

Firefighters have been battling the flames in the Attica region around Athens, which were fanned by winds up to 100kph. At least 76 people are dead and hundreds injured.

The deceased Belgian was among a group of 31 tourists on a package holiday organised by TUI Belgium, staying at the Ramada Attica hotel close to the seaside resort of Mati.

Foreign minister Didier Reynders said on Twitter: "Unfortunately we have received confirmation of the death of our missing compatriot. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Our embassy is helping his young son and his family during these difficult times."

The other holidaymakers were evacated to a hotel in the Greek capital on Monday night. Nineteen of them asked to be repatriated and were flown home on Tuesday.

Tour operator Thomas Cook said it had no customers staying in the affected area, but it had contacted holidaymakers in central Athens offering to fly them home early.

The five Belgians who remain unaccounted for had made their own travel arrangements in Greece. Attempts to contact them continue.

Photo: RTL-TVI screengrab