American Tourist Dies After Lightning Strike on Mount Etna
An American tourist died Sunday on Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy. He was struck by lightning while hiking there.
He was hiking in a restricted area of the volcano. Rescuers found him in serious condition Sunday evening.
He was on the volcano's eastern slope. A helicopter rescued him and took him to a hospital.
The hospital was in Catania, Italy. Doctors pronounced him dead there.
The New York Times reported he was 29 years old. UPI reported he was 30.
The Associated Press said he was 29 and from Kansas. Mount Etna is Europe's most active volcano.
It has been unusually active recently. This led leaders to close some slope areas to hikers.
It also forced Catania airport to close for most of last week. Officials said lightning has killed more people on Etna than volcanic activity has in recent decades.
Key Terms 2
- Mount Etna A very active volcano on the island of Sicily, Italy.
- Catania A city in Sicily, Italy, near Mount Etna.