Tourist struck and killed by lightning on Mount Etna

Rescue services were alerted after the accident and dispatched to the affected area on the volcano. The recovery proved complicated due to the ongoing storm and the difficult weather conditions at the crater.

Weather conditions on Mount Etna

Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and, despite the dangers, attracts numerous tourists every year. In the summer months, severe thunderstorms repeatedly occur around the Mediterranean region and can suddenly move in over higher-lying areas such as Mount Etna.

Reports of lightning strikes around the volcano and in the vicinity of Catania accumulated on the day of the incident on social media and at Italian authorities. Meteorologists warned of a continuing severe weather situation over the Mediterranean island.

Mount Etna, whose active craters are located at more than 3,000 meters in altitude, is considered a particularly popular destination for hikes. According to experts, however, weather changes at this altitude can occur within just a few minutes and be life-threatening.

Warnings and consequences

Following the tourist's death, several Italian agencies called for the volcano and its higher-lying areas not to be entered during thunderstorm warnings. Even outside the crater zones, there is a risk of death from lightning strikes in such a case.

The local authorities are now reviewing the case with the support of Italian civil protection. Further information on the exact time of death and the circumstances is to be published as part of the investigation.