SICILY, ITALY — August 18, 2026 — A 30-year-old American tourist has died after being struck by lightning while hiking on Mount Etna, Sicily’s active volcano, during a powerful thunderstorm on Sunday.
The man was reportedly hiking in the Rocca Capra area of Etna’s Valle del Bove at an elevation of about 1,400 metres when severe weather moved across the mountain. Italian media reported that he was alone and may have been in an area subject to restrictions because of the volcano’s recent activity. (euronews)
Emergency crews were alerted shortly before 20:00 local time. Firefighters reached the hiker by helicopter and found him in cardiac arrest. He was flown to Cannizzaro Hospital in Catania, where medical staff attempted to resuscitate him, but he was later pronounced dead. (CBS News)
The death comes as Mount Etna is experiencing a period of heightened volcanic activity, including lava flows and explosive activity at its summit craters. Volcanic ash has also caused disruptions at Catania Airport in recent days. (euronews)
Mount Etna is one of the world’s most active volcanoes and attracts large numbers of visitors. Authorities have warned that conditions can change rapidly on the mountain, where high-altitude weather can develop suddenly.
The tourist’s identity has not yet been publicly released. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. (AP News)
