American hiker dies after being struck by lightning on Mount Etna

Sun Sep 06 2026 06:05:07 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A 30‑year‑old U.S. tourist was struck by lightning during a thunderstorm on Sicily’s Mount Etna, highlighting the heightened risks from volcanic activity and sudden weather changes.

A U.S. tourist was found in cardiac arrest after lightning struck him while hiking on Mount Etna’s lower slopes, and he did not survive after being air‑lifted to a hospital. The incident comes amid a series of eruptions that have disrupted air traffic and drawn many visitors to the volcano’s slopes. Italian authorities have tightened restrictions on access to the upper slopes, warning that sudden weather changes can amplify already hazardous conditions.

American hiker dies after being struck by lightning on Mount Etna

A 30‑year‑old U.S. tourist was found in cardiac arrest after a thunderstorm slammed across Sicily’s volatile Mount Etna. Authorities confirmed he had been on the volcano’s lower slopes when lightning hit.

The man was air‑lifted to Cannizzaro Hospital in Catania but did not survive. According to Italian media, the crash occurred around 20:00 local time (18:00 GMT). The victim’s identity remains undisclosed.

Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, has been erupting regularly over the past few weeks, disrupting air travel and drawing trekkers into the perilous terrain. The civil protection agency warns that sudden weather changes at high elevations can amplify already unsafe conditions.

Flights into Catania International Airport have been grounded several times due to volcanic ash, with an aviation alert downgraded only last weekend from red to orange.

Authorities have tightened restrictions, limiting access to upper slopes and enforcing no‑shelter zones above the tree line. Tourists are urged to heed warnings and avoid high‑altitude routes.