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

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

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

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.”

Heading 2
FBI announces recruitment exercise in U.S, other countries
Mr Rothrock said America needs help to sustain its national peace from home and around the world.

States
Troops foil mass abduction in Zamfara
The spokesman for the operation said the incident occurred on Sunday.

Heading 5
Obi demands compensation for victims of electoral violence, killings in Osun
The NDC chieftain stressed the need for a democracy where elections are conducted without violence.

Abuja
Nigeria’s capital city Abuja flooded, vehicles submerged as FCT residents accuse Wike of encroaching on green areas
According to Mr Olayinka, the FCT administration is working to improve the drainage system.

Heading 4
NFF sacks Super Falcons coach, technical team After WAFCON, World Cup qualification failures
Mr Madugu led the team to their 10th WAFCON title in July 2025.

Sport
Coventry City confirm signing of Taiwo Awoniyi from Nottingham Forest
In 2022, Awoniyi signed with Nottingham Forest in a record fee worth €17.2 million.






