Etna lightning death raises questions about volcano tourism safety

An American tourist has died after being struck by lightning on Mount Etna while hiking in a restricted area, according to multiple international reports. The Guardian said Italian firefighters confirmed the man, 29, was killed on Sunday on the volcano's eastern slope, an area closed to visitors due to recent volcanic activity.

The New York Times reported that rescuers found the man in serious condition and he was later pronounced dead at a hospital in Catania. CBS News noted that the hiker was apparently walking in a closed-off area when the thunderstorm developed, citing local media.

The death comes as Etna's ongoing eruption has drawn crowds of tourists eager to witness the spectacle, with Euronews reporting that visitors are flocking to the volcano despite safety warnings. The same eruption has forced the repeated closure of Catania airport, disrupting travel during the peak summer season.