US hiker dies after being struck by lightning on Mount Etna

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.

Authorities have been limiting access to more areas of Etna, including the upper slopes where there is little shelter above the tree line, because of the increased volcanic activity.

Italy's civil protection agency warns that a combination of volcanic activity and sudden weather changes higher up the mountain can make conditions hazardous.

About 1.5 million people visit Etna every year.

Ash from the eruptions on Etna has been clouding the skies over eastern Sicily and has disrupted hundreds of flights at Catania International Airport in the past week.

An aviation alert was only downgraded on Saturday from the highest warning level of red to orange.

-BBC