A 29-year-old American tourist has died after being struck by lightning while hiking on the slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily. The incident occurred in the Rocca Capra area of Valle del Bove, at an altitude of approximately 1,400 meters, when a severe thunderstorm broke out over the volcano.
The emergency call for the accident was made shortly before 8:00 PM. Rescue teams reached the victim by fire department helicopter and transported him to the Cannizzaro Hospital in Catania. Medics were unable to save him and pronounced him dead. The tourist's name has not been released.
According to preliminary information, the man was alone and had likely entered an area that was closed or restricted to visitors due to increased volcanic activity. Italian authorities continue to clarify the circumstances surrounding the case.
New fissure and lava flows
Meanwhile, Etna's activity remains high. The Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology reported a new vent that formed following the collapse of a portion of the eastern edge of the Rittmann crater.
The new fissure is located at an altitude of about 2,350 meters. Lava flowed from it for approximately 500 meters, which subsequently stopped and cooled. Another active vent, located at about 1,900 meters, continues to release lava, which reaches an altitude of approximately 1,600 meters.
Due to the danger posed by the proximity to molten magma and the unstable conditions in the area, tourist access to certain parts of the volcano is restricted. Etna is the largest active volcano in Europe, and during periods of intense activity, it poses a risk not only to visitors but also to air traffic over Sicily.
The ongoing eruptions and the release of volcanic ash are already creating difficulties for aviation in the Catania area and for flights over the island.