Eight cyclists have been killed in southern Italy after a car collided with them on a two-lane road.

Reports from the scene say the driver apparently lost control of his car while trying to overtake another vehicle, and collided head-on with cyclists. Seven died instantly and the eighth died while in medical care. Several others were injured.

The driver of the car, a Moroccan national, was arrested. Police are quoted as saying he tested positive for marijuana.

The accident took place near the city of Lamezia Terme, near Italy's southern tip.