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American Hiker Dies After Lightning Strike on Mount Etna in Italy
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- A 29-year-old American man died after being struck by lightning while hiking alone in the Valle del Bove area on the eastern side of Mount Etna, Italy's largest active volcano.
- The man was found in serious condition by rescuers on Sunday and airlifted to Cannizzaro Hospital in Catania, where he was declared dead about an hour after arrival.
- The Valle del Bove area had been closed to the public due to recent heavy volcanic activity, including the opening of a new volcanic vent with fresh lava flows overnight.
- Mount Etna's ongoing eruption has caused significant ash emissions, leading to flight restrictions and cancellations at Catania International Airport for over 10 days.
- Volcanic eruptions can produce lightning through static electricity generated by ash particles, and lightning strikes are common in Italy during summer months, especially in elevated areas like mountain ridges.
