Italy’s famed Mount Etna roared to life in a powerful eruption yesterday, sending plumes of ash, rocks, and superheated gases several kilometers into the sky — forcing stunned tourists to flee the scene.
According to Italian authorities, the unexpected eruption caught many off guard, including a group of around 40 tourists who were near the summit when the volcano blew. Dramatic videos posted to social media show panicked visitors racing downhill to escape the blast zone as thick clouds of ash billowed behind them.
The volcano, which looms over the island of Sicily, is one of the most active in the world and attracts roughly 1.5 million visitors annually, many of whom hike close to its crater. Despite its frequent activity, experts say this is the most powerful eruption since 2014, according to the National Geophysical and Volcanological Observatory.
Though no injuries have been reported, authorities have raised alert levels and issued warnings to stay clear of the area until further notice. Emergency crews are monitoring air quality and potential lava flows.
Mount Etna’s fiery display serves as a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictable force — even at one of Europe’s most closely watched geological sites.
