Mount Etna: US hiker dies after being struck by lightning on Italian volcano - BBC News

The 30-year-old was on the active volcano when a thunderstorm developed, local media report.

Image source, ReutersImage caption, Mt Etna is Europe's most active volcano, with a series of eruptions occurring in recent weeks

An American tourist has died after being struck by lightning while hiking on Mount Etna in Sicily.

The 30-year-old, who has not been named by authorities, was on the active volcano on Sunday when a thunderstorm broke out, Italian media report.

The man is said to have been found by firefighters and emergency services in a state of cardiac arrest at about 20:00 local time (18:00 GMT) in a restricted area sometimes used to get closer to the summit. He was flown by helicopter to Cannizzaro Hospital in Catania but was declared dead on arrival.

A series of recent eruptions from Europe's most active volcano have caused local air traffic disruption but have also drawn in many tourists.