A 30-year-old American tourist died after being struck by lightning while hiking on Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy, according to authorities.
Emergency crews reached the man by helicopter Sunday evening after he was found in a restricted area of the volcano, but he was later pronounced dead at Cannizzaro Hospital in Catania.
The report said Mount Etna, Europe's tallest and most active volcano, has been experiencing volcanic activity since early August.
Authorities have restricted access to upper sections of the mountain, but the tourist had entered one of the prohibited areas in an attempt to get closer to the summit.
The incident was one of two fatal lightning strikes reported in Italy on Sunday, with an Italian man also killed while hiking in the Alps.
Mount Etna attracts about 1.5 million visitors each year, but ongoing volcanic activity and ash emissions have disrupted operations at Catania International Airport.
Authorities have urged tourists to follow safety restrictions and avoid prohibited areas while volcanic and weather-related risks remain elevated.
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US tourist dies after being struck by lightning while hiking Sicily’s Mount Etna https://t.co/uA7XXbGXIS
— O.C. Register (@ocregister) August 17, 2026
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