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Wednesday, 19 August 2026

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American tourist (30) killed by lightning strike on Mount Etna

A thirty-year-old American tourist has died after being struck by lightning while hiking on Mount Etna in Sicily.

American tourist (30) killed by lightning strike on Mount Etna
Photo: sludgegulper · Openverse · BY-SA

A thirty-year-old American tourist has died on Mount Etna in Sicily after being struck by lightning. According to multiple sources, the man was in a hard-to-reach and restricted area during a severe storm when tragedy struck. The incidents occurred while the tourist was attempting to get closer to the summit of the volcano under extreme weather conditions.

The man was immediately treated after the lightning strike. Rescue services, including firefighters, carried out a rescue operation and transported the tourist by helicopter to Cannizzaro Hospital in Catania. Upon arrival at the hospital, he exhibited symptoms of severe cardiac arrest.

Sources confirm that the man was in critical condition when he arrived at the hospital. Despite the efforts of the medical staff, he died before he was stable enough to be treated.

American tourist (30) killed by lightning strike on Mount Etna
Photo: sludgegulper · Openverse · BY-SA

The tragedy has raised questions about safety measures on Etna, where climbing in certain areas is prohibited. There is concern over the risks associated with bad weather in the volcanic region, where tourists often try to get closer to active areas.

The events highlight the dangers of hiking on volcanoes under unfavorable weather conditions. While climbing Etna is popular among tourists, it is important for visitors to adhere to safety regulations and warnings.

The exact details of the incident are still under investigation, and local authorities are assessing the situation. It remains unclear whether there have been previous reports of accidents due to lightning strikes in the area.