The accident happened on the main motorway between the resorts of Larnaca and Ayia Napa that runs through one of the two large British military bases on the island, said base spokesman Rob Need.

The victims, reported to be two middle-aged couples, were travelling in the same red Subaru when it was crushed by three other vehicles.

Mr Need said two of the vehicles slammed head-on into the Subaru after it apparently drifted onto the wrong side of the road.

Hazardous

The Larnaca-Ayia Napa road is one of the island's worst accident blackspots.

The section of motorway where the accident took place was opened earlier this year to replace the old and hazardous curving coastal road between the two resorts.

The road is not yet completed and traffic can only use one carriageway travelling in both directions.