Gunmen killed five Europeans trekking near Ethiopia’s famed Erta Ale volcano and kidnapped two others, officials said yesterday, in the region’s worst attack on tourists in years.

The volcano is one of Africa’s most spectacular and lies in the Afar depression – reputedly one of the least hospitable places on the planet – where local rebels have claimed attacks and kidnappings in the past.

Ethiopia blamed Eritrea but Asmara denied involvement in the attack, which occurred before dawn Tuesday and dealt another blow to regional tourism after kidnappings in Kenyan resorts and attacks on yachts by Somali pirates.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s spokesman Peter Szijjarto disclosed the nationalities of the tourists involved, citing information he said was obtained from Interpol.

“Two Hungarians were killed in Ethiopia and another lightly wounded... In total, five people were killed: two Germans, two Hungarians and an Austrian,” he said.

“Two Italians were able to escape, two Belgians were lightly wounded. Two Germans and two Ethiopians were abducted,” he added.

German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle confirmed the killings of two nationals and added: “I sadly also have to inform you that the fate of other Germans who were part of this group is not clear.”

German newspaper Bild cited security sources as saying three nationals were missing.

Belgium said one of its nationals was wounded, as was a British friend she was travelling with.

Ethiopia’s foreign ministry said 22 tourists were on the trip to the remote destination.