An American hiker has died after being struck by lightning on Mount Etna as thunderstorms swept across Italy following a prolonged period of extreme heat.
The 30-year-old man was reportedly hiking alone in an area of the Sicilian volcano that was closed to visitors when a thunderstorm struck on Sunday evening. Rescue teams reached him at around 8pm, when he was already in serious condition, and he was flown by helicopter to Cannizzaro Hospital in Catania. He died shortly afterwards. His identity has not yet been released.
According to reports, the incident occurred in the Rocca Capra area, at around 1,400 metres above sea level. Other reports say he had entered a restricted part of the volcano, although authorities have not yet provided a full account of why he was there.
Etna has attracted unusually large numbers of visitors in recent weeks as spectacular volcanic activity has produced lava and ash emissions. Parts of the volcano have been closed because of the increased activity, while ash from the eruptions has also caused disruption at nearby Catania airport.
The combination of volcanic activity and rapidly changing mountain weather makes conditions on Etna particularly unpredictable. Italy’s Civil Protection authorities warn that the mountain’s proximity to the sea means humid air can meet colder air at high altitude, producing sudden changes in weather.
Another suspected lightning death in the Alps
The Etna tragedy came as emergency services dealt with severe weather elsewhere in Italy.
In Alto Adige, a hiker was found dead by mountain rescue teams on Piz Starlex, a 3,075-metre mountain on the border between Italy and Switzerland. Investigators believe he may also have been struck by lightning while descending, although the circumstances of his death have yet to be fully established.
Further west, four Spanish tourists became stranded on Mount Colmegnone in the Laglio area of Como province after a violent thunderstorm hit the mountains on Sunday. Mountain rescue teams eventually brought them to safety. The operation was made particularly difficult by heavy rain and strong winds, which made conditions on the mountain hazardous.
From extreme heat to violent storms
The incidents follow Italy’s latest period of intense summer heat, with the country’s fifth heatwave giving way to thunderstorms in several regions.
The abrupt change is a reminder of the risks faced by hikers during Italy’s hot summer months. High temperatures can be followed by rapidly developing storms, particularly in mountainous areas where weather conditions can change within minutes.
The investigation into the circumstances of the American’s death is continuing.
