A 29-year-old American tourist died after being struck by lightning while hiking on Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy, Italian fire crews reported Monday.
The man, originally from Kansas, had not yet been publicly identified at the time of the report. It was located in the Rocca Capra area, at an approximate altitude of 1,000 feet (305 meters).
The tourist was in an exposed area without vegetation when he was struck by lightning during Sunday night.
Emergency teams went to the scene and managed to rescue him using a helicopter. However, he was later declared dead by medical personnel.
The rescue was carried out in an exposed area of the volcano
According to Italian firefighters, the man was found after suffering a lightning strike in an area of Etna characterized by its exposure to the environment.
Rescuers used a helicopter to transport him from the area where the incident had occurred.
Despite the intervention of emergency services, doctors were unable to save his life.
Authorities had not publicly reported other details about the tourist or the exact circumstances preceding the impact.
The accident occurred while Etna continues to register volcanic activity, a situation that keeps local authorities under surveillance and that in recent days has also affected air transport in Sicily.
Etna remains active
Mount Etna, located on the Italian island of Sicily, is considered the largest active volcano in Europe.
In recent days, lava flows have been observed descending its slopes as part of the volcano's eruptive activity.
The emission of ash affected the operations of Sicily's main airport last week. Some air connections had to be diverted to other airports on the island, at a time of high tourist demand due to the summer season.
Volcanic activity has forced authorities to maintain surveillance over the behavior of the volcano and the security conditions in its surroundings.
Lightning represents a major danger on Etna
Although Etna is known worldwide for its volcanic activity, authorities have noted that lightning strikes have caused more deaths on the volcano in recent decades than the eruptions themselves.
According to data cited by authorities, the last death directly related to an eruption of Etna occurred in 1987.
The death of the American tourist once again highlights the risks faced by those who visit the high and exposed areas of the volcano, particularly when there are adverse weather conditions.
The case remains under Italian authorities while appropriate procedures are completed following the death of the American visitor.
