Saturday, November 7, 2026

U.S. hiker struck dead by lightning on Mount Etna

Mount Etna is Europe’s tallest active volcano, which sits at over 3,000 above Sicily’s eastern coast.

• August 17, 2026
Mount Etna
Mount Etna[Credit: AP News]

A 30-year-old U.S. tourist has died after being struck by lightning on Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy, on Sunday.

According to reports, the 30-year-old was struck by lightning when a thunderstorm hit the area while he was in a restricted area, which had been closed due to the recent volcanic activity in the area. 

Emergency rescue teams found the hiker in a state of cardiac arrest at around 7:00 p.m. local time on Sunday and he was immediately rescued by a helicopter and taken to the Cannizzaro Hospital in Catania. 

He was pronounced dead on Monday after several efforts by the hospital’s personnel. Mount Etna is Europe’s tallest active volcano, which sits at over 3,000 above Sicily’s eastern coast. 

Recent eruptions from the volcano have resulted in disruptions in local air traffic at the Catania International Airport for over ten days, affecting hundreds of flights due to the cloudy skies from the volcano’s ash. 

The earth’s wonder is visited by about 1.5 million tourists annually.

Italy’s Civil Protection Agency has continued its efforts to enlighten tourists and locals on the hazardous conditions of the volcano, as sudden weather occurs as tourists move up the mountain.

In June, the country raised the alert level from green to yellow following the volcano’s increased effusive activity on the eastern flank of the mountain. The alert signaled a precautionary measure due to the mountain’s activity.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

Nigerian Bar Association

States

Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future

The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Murtala Mohammed Airport

NationWide

Aviation unions oppose FG’s plan to abolish 5% ticket, cargo sales charges

Mr Ocheme said that any review of aviation charges must follow transparent statutory procedures.

NAFDAC

States

NAFDAC warns Imo patent medicine dealers against selling fake, expired drugs

According to the NAFDAC boss, commercial interests must never justify endangering public health.

PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU

Economy

N1,300/$1: Naira would have become worthless without my policy, Tinubu says

Mr Tinubu announced the unification of exchange rates a few days into his administration in 2023.

Bashir Adeniyi

Lagos

Customs boss decries 20-year abandonment of power equipment at ports

Mr Adeniyi described the abandonment of equipment procured with public funds as irresponsible.

INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan

NationWide

2027: INEC chairman restates commitment to improved staff welfare

Mr Amupitan disclosed that the commission had introduced a new salary structure.

NationWide

Atiku sold Nigeria’s assets as VP, will sell country if elected president: Wike

Mr Shaibu challenged the minister to identify the specific national assets Mr Abubakar allegedly sold.