Overview
- A U.S. visitor was struck by lightning on Mount Etna and later died at Cannizzaro Hospital after being airlifted by the fire brigade helicopter Drago 142.
- Rescuers winched the unconscious man from a reportedly closed area of the volcano, gave first aid on scene, and flew him to Catania where hospital staff pronounced him dead.
- Reports say the strike occurred during a severe thunderstorm that developed over the volcano, and Italy’s civil protection had issued a yellow weather warning for the Catania region that day.
- Mount Etna has been in an elevated activity phase since late June with lava, ash and gas emissions that have closed upper slopes and disrupted flights at Catania airport.
- Officials and mountain rescue teams warn that rapid weather changes on Etna can produce deadly lightning and that many visitors approach restricted paths without proper gear or regard for official bans.