The "Nijmeegse Vierdaagse" - an annual 4-day long distance walk held
around Nijmegen in the Netherlands - was called off this evening at the
end of the first day after 2 participants died as a consequence of the
extreme heat.
http://www.4daagse.nl/index.asp?pagina=nieuwspagina
44 000 walkers started out this morning but more than 300 became ill
and 30 had to be taken to hospital. 2 died and 1 person is still
critically ill.
As tomorrow is likely to be hotter still, the organisers thought it
would be irresponsible for the walk to continue.
Colin Youngs
Brussels