Tourists vacationing at the foot of Mount Etna were forced to flee in panic as the volcano suddenly erupted. A massive column of ash rose over Sicily, darkening the sky and temporarily disrupting movement in the surrounding areas.
Witnesses reported that it all happened suddenly—first there was a deep rumble, then a plume of smoke shot into the sky as the volcano began spewing lava and rocks. People on guided tours, including those on the slopes of the mountain, ran downhill, trying to escape the danger as quickly as possible. Some managed to capture dramatic footage on their phones, showing groups of tourists running and dodging falling debris.
Mount Etna is the most active volcano in Europe and is closely monitored by Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV). According to the institute, the eruption was accompanied by volcanic gas emissions and ash plumes reaching heights of over 4,000 meters.
Authorities in Sicily urged both locals and tourists to exercise caution and temporarily restricted access to certain hiking routes. Catania Airport, located near the volcano, suspended operations for several hours due to poor visibility and the risk of ash entering aircraft engines.
As of now, there have been no reports of injuries. Emergency services and volcanologists continue to monitor the situation and warn of possible further eruptions.
Italian media remind the public that eruptions of Etna are not uncommon, but even so, they can catch unprepared tourists off guard. Experts emphasize the importance of following all safety instructions when visiting volcanic areas.
