An American tourist was killed after reportedly venturing into a restricted area of Sicily’s Mount Etna during a violent thunderstorm in hopes of getting a closer look at the erupting volcano’s lava.
The 30-year-old man was hiking on Mount Etna on Sunday when he was struck by lightning as severe storms battered the Catania region, according to Italian media reports.
Authorities had already issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms in the area, but the tourist reportedly continued toward a section of the volcano that had been closed off because of the ongoing eruption.
He was apparently trying to get closer to the lava flow when tragedy struck.
Emergency crews rushed to the volcano after receiving the alarm at around 8 p.m. A fire department helicopter was dispatched in a desperate attempt to rescue the man.
But rescuers were unable to save him.
The tourist was transported from the mountain, but he was pronounced dead after reaching the hospital, according to local reports.
The horrifying incident comes as Mount Etna — Europe’s tallest and most active volcano — has been putting on a spectacular but dangerous display over Sicily.
The volcano has been erupting since July, sending towering clouds of ash into the sky and producing glowing lava flows that have drawn crowds of tourists hoping to witness the natural spectacle.
Officials have repeatedly warned visitors not to get too close, with tourists reportedly being told to remain at least 200 meters — roughly 650 feet — away from active lava.
The eruption has also caused major travel headaches.
Volcanic ash drifting through the region has repeatedly disrupted operations at Catania-Fontanarossa Airport, forcing flights to be canceled, delayed or rerouted.
Airport officials announced restrictions on portions of the surrounding airspace and urged passengers to check directly with their airlines before heading to the airport.
Mount Etna’s eruption is unfolding as Sicily and other parts of southern Europe are also battling another dangerous threat — extreme heat and wildfires.
Dozens of fires have broken out across Sicily amid scorching temperatures, including major blazes around Bivona and several communities in Agrigento province.
Firefighters, forest crews and civil protection officials have been deployed across the island as flames threatened homes and businesses.
In Castronovo di Sicilia, authorities deployed firefighting aircraft and ground crews after flames spread toward the town. Roughly 150 hectares of land were reported burned, while residents were forced from their homes as crews worked to contain the blaze.
The combination of volcanic activity, brutal heat, thunderstorms and wildfires has created an extraordinarily dangerous stretch of summer weather across Sicily.
And for one American visitor who reportedly pushed past restrictions to get a closer look at Mount Etna’s spectacular lava, the adventure ended in tragedy.
