US tourist killed by lightning on Sicily's Mount Etna

An American tourist, whose age is estimated between 29 and 30, lost his life on Sunday evening after being struck by lightning while hiking on Mount Etna in Sicily. The victim, who is believed to have been hiking alone, was found dead after a helicopter rescue team attempted to revive him. The man's death occurred on Etna's eastern slope, an area currently experiencing intense volcanic activity.

Mount Etna, Europe's tallest active volcano standing at 3,324 meters (almost 11,000 feet), is a popular tourist destination, especially as visitors flock to witness dramatic lava fountains and smoke emissions. Authorities suggest that the American man may have disregarded closure signs and ventured towards a new crater, leading to his unfortunate demise.

Emergency services stated that the individual was in a state of cardiac arrest when a rescue crew reached him around 8 p.m. local time (18:00 GMT). The man was presumed to have been struck by lightning while traversing the barren heights above the treeline. Rescuers tried to revive the man upon extraction from the Rocca Capra area, situated approximately 1,400 meters above sea level.

He was declared dead upon arrival at Cannizzaro Hospital in Catania. Ongoing investigations are underway into the incident. Italian authorities have frequently cautioned about the potential hazards associated with Etna's activity, yet the natural wonder continues to attract tourists and thrill-seekers due to its volcanic nature and picturesque landscapes.

Italy's civil protection agency has warned that volcanic activity combined with sudden weather changes can create a particularly dangerous situation. The nearby Catania international airport has faced numerous disruptions due to massive smoke plumes, which release harmful micro-particles that make breathing difficult and act like ice on roads.