American tourist killed by lightning while climbing Mount Etna amid active volcanic phase
The volcano's latest eruptive phase began on Aug. 6, producing ash and lava, with recent activity prompting authorities to restrict some areas on the mountain.
FILE: Watch: Lava spills out of Mount Etna in cool drone video
Drone video from New Year's Day shows lava spilling and cracking from a new fissure in Mount Etna. The volcano recently erupted over the Christmas holiday in December.
THE TAKEAWAY
- A U.S. tourist was struck by lightning while reportedly hiking in a restricted area of Mount Etna.
- The tourist was pronounced dead upon reaching the hospital.
- Mount Etna was in an active yellow zone during the incident.
CATANIA, Sicily — An American tourist was killed by lightning while climbing Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy, as thunderstorms moved through the region on Sunday.
SEE IT: DRONE VIDEO CAPTURES GLITTERING LAVA OOZING FROM FISSURE ON ITALY'S MOUNT ETNA VOLCANO
According to Italian media reports, the man was climbing the volcano in a restricted area when a storm moved in, and he was struck by lightning.
The Silvestri crater at the Mount Etna or Etna Volcano is a stratovolcano near Catania. Catania is the second largest city in Sicily, Italy. (saiko3p / Getty Images)
Firefighters pulled him from the scene in critical condition at roughly 8 p.m., but he was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
The deadly lightning strike comes as the volcano continues to experience elevated activity, with it currently sitting in the yellow zone — a status defined by the Italian Civil Protection Department as representing a potentially dangerous situation.
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FILE: Mount Etna on New Year's Day 2026. (Emilio Messina via Storyful / FOX Weather)
Mount Etna, located along Sicily’s east coast, is Europe's highest active volcano, sitting about 11,000 feet above sea level.
The volcano's latest eruptive phase began on Aug. 6, producing ash and lava, with recent activity prompting authorities to restrict some areas on the mountain. Officials emphasized the importance of following the restrictions, even more so during active periods.
FILE: TOPSHOT - Smoke rises from the crater of the Etna volcano as it erupts, on Mount Etna near Catania on June 2, 2025. (Photo by Giuseppe Distefano / AFP) (Photo by GIUSEPPE DISTEFANO/AFP via Getty Images) (Getty Images)
Additionally, hiking at such a high elevation significantly amplifies the danger during a thunderstorm.
Italy’s Civil Protection Department said mountains are among the areas most at risk for lightning strikes, and it’s best to avoid exposed ridges and peaks when storms develop.
The department urged hikers to exercise extreme caution and follow all local safety warnings.