An American tourist died after being struck by lightning while hiking on Sicily’s Mount Etna, BBC reported. He was reportedly in a restricted zone and was apparently trying to get closer to the summit of the active volcano. The 29-year-old man from Kansas was hiking above the tree line on Sunday evening when a thunderstorm hit the area, according to Italian firefighters and local media.
Mount Etna’s Increased Activity Disrupts Air Traffic in Sicily
Mount Etna, Europe’s highest and one of the most active volcanoes, is experiencing heightened activity. Recent lava flows and ash emissions have led to significant disruptions in air travel across eastern Sicily. In response to these developments, authorities have extended restrictions on access to the volcano’s upper slopes to ensure public safety.
Authorities have not released his identity as they work to notify his family.
Fatal Cardiac Arrest in Catania
Emergency crews airlifted a man in cardiac arrest to Cannizzaro Hospital in Catania around 8 PM local time. Despite medical efforts, he could not be revived and was pronounced dead later that evening, as reported by local newspaper Catania Today.
