An American tourist has died after being struck by lightning while hiking on Mount Etna in Sicily, according to local reports. The 30-year-old, from Kansas, was reportedly in a restricted area of the volcano when he was struck during a thunderstorm on Sunday evening.
Rescue and hospital response
The incident was reported shortly before 8pm, with the tourist found in cardiac arrest and treated at the scene before being taken to Cannizzaro Hospital in Catania. Doctors continued efforts to revive him, but he was pronounced dead at around 9.30pm, according to CataniaToday.
The Fire Brigade's Drago 142 helicopter was used during the rescue operation on the mountain.
Volcanic activity and access restrictions
Large areas of Mount Etna have been closed to visitors amid prolonged volcanic activity. Recent eruptions have also caused disruption at Catania Airport, which was closed for much of last week. Etna has remained highly active in recent weeks, with repeated lava flows and ash eruptions. Italy's Civil Protection agency has warned that weather conditions on Mount Etna can change suddenly, particularly at higher elevations.
Access to parts of Etna's upper slopes has also been restricted, particularly in exposed areas where there is little shelter.
Lightning risk and recent incidents
Italian officials said more people have died from lightning strikes on Etna in recent decades than from volcanic activity. The last fatalities linked to an eruption of Europe's most active volcano were recorded in 1987. It was reported that another hiker was killed by lightning in Italy on the same day after being struck in the Alps in South Tyrol.
