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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Disasters & Emergencies

US Tourist Killed by Lightning on Sicily's Mount Etna

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • A U.S. tourist died from cardiac arrest after being struck by lightning while hiking on Mount Etna in Sicily.
  • The man, aged 29 or 30, was hiking alone in a potentially prohibited area on the volcano's eastern slope, which is currently experiencing significant volcanic activity.
  • Authorities are investigating the incident, which occurred during a storm, as Etna attracts tourists with its dramatic eruptions.

A U.S. national died after being struck by lightning on Italy's Mount Etna, a volcano currently drawing crowds with its dramatic eruptions. The 29 or 30-year-old man was hiking alone on Sunday evening when a storm hit the eastern slope of the active volcano.

Emergency services reported that a helicopter rescue crew found the man in cardiac arrest around 8 p.m. local time. He was pronounced dead at Cannizzaro Hospital in Catania after rescuers attempted resuscitation. The man is believed to have been hiking in a restricted area, possibly near a new crater, when the lightning strike occurred.

the US national was in a state of cardiac arrest when a helicopter rescue crew arrived around 8 p.m. local time (18:00 GMT).

— emergency servicesDescribing the condition of the U.S. national upon arrival of the rescue team.

Mount Etna, Europe's tallest active volcano at 3,324 meters, has seen increased tourist activity due to its spectacular lava fountains and smoke. However, Italian authorities have repeatedly warned about the dangers posed by the volcano's activity, especially when combined with unpredictable weather patterns. The region's civil protection agency highlights the risks of volcanic activity and sudden weather changes.

An investigation into the incident is underway. The eruption has also caused disruptions at Catania's airport due to volcanic ash plumes. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with visiting active volcanic sites, even as they draw eager sightseers.

volcanic activity and sudden weather changes could create an especially risky combination.

— Italy's civil protection agencyWarning about the combined dangers of Mount Etna's eruptions and changing weather conditions.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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