Monday, August 17, 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.

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