Mount Etna, located on Sicily’s eastern coast and considered Europe’s most active volcano, erupted last night (Monday), causing panic among dozens of tourists who fled the area. According to reports, approximately 40 tourists on an organized tour were caught in the unusual event and forced to escape the mountain quickly. Social media footage shows tourists running down the slopes as a massive, dark cloud of ash rapidly rises into the sky.
Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) reported that local residents felt strong tremors around 23:00 (local time), with the eruption peaking in the early morning hours.
The eruption was accompanied by an ash cloud soaring over two kilometers high, spectacular but dangerous “lava fountains,” and deadly streams of gas, ash, and molten rock cascading down the mountain. Estimates suggest the eruption was triggered by a collapse of volcanic material on the mountain’s slope. Residents in nearby areas, including Piano and Torre, reported ashfall.
