American tourist killed by lightning strike on Mount Etna

A 30-year-old American tourist tragically died after being struck by lightning while hiking on Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, in Sicily, Italy. The incident occurred yesterday as the man was trekking in a restricted area of the volcano.

Italian media reported that the tourist was caught in a thunderstorm while ascending the mountain. Emergency services located the man around 8 PM local time and transported him by helicopter to Cannizzaro Hospital in Catania. He was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Mount Etna has been experiencing recent eruptions, which have disrupted air traffic but also attracted numerous tourists. Authorities have implemented access restrictions to several areas, particularly the upper slopes above the tree line, due to increased volcanic activity and the potential for sudden weather shifts. The Italian Civil Protection agency had previously issued warnings about the hazardous conditions created by the combination of volcanic activity and unpredictable weather at higher elevations.