US tourist killed by lightning on Italy's Mount Etna

A 30-year-old American tourist died Sunday after a lightning strike on Italy's Mount Etna, according to reports from ANSA and other news outlets. The man, whose identity remains unconfirmed by authorities, was hiking on the active volcano when a severe thunderstorm developed. Initial reports suggest he entered a restricted area, possibly to get closer to the summit.

Emergency services reached the hiker by helicopter around 8 p.m. local time, finding him in cardiac arrest. He was transported to Cannizzaro Hospital in Catania, where he was pronounced dead at 9:30 p.m. The incident occurred during a period of heightened activity for Mount Etna, Europe's tallest and one of the world's most active volcanoes, with frequent lava flows and ash emissions recently impacting Sicily.

Mount Etna attracts approximately 1.5 million visitors each year. The combination of volcanic activity and unpredictable weather patterns can create hazardous conditions. Italy's Civil Protection agency warns of rapid weather changes on the mountain due to the proximity of the sea and cold air masses. Authorities have recently increased restrictions on access to upper areas of the volcano due to increased volcanic activity and limited shelter.

This incident was one of two fatal lightning strikes in Italy on Sunday; another Italian man died while hiking in the Alps.