Mount Etna Erupts, Tourists Flee as Ash Cloud Descends

Mount Etna Eruption Surprises Tourists in Sicily A sudden eruption of Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy, startled a group of tourists hiking near the volcano on Monday morning. The eruption, which was of the Strombolian type, sent a massive plume of ash and gas thousands of feet into the air. The event was captured on video, showing tourists running to safety as the ash cloud descended upon them. "Corre, corre!" one guide shouted in the video, urging the tourists to flee. While there were no reported injuries, the video clearly shows the fear and panic of those present. Italian authorities responded swiftly, activating emergency protocols. However, the eruption did not necessitate the evacuation of nearby towns and the Catania airport continued operations without interruption thanks to favorable wind conditions. One tourist, speaking anonymously, described the experience as "terrifying." "We were just enjoying a beautiful hike, and then suddenly, it was like the world was ending." The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of active volcanoes and the inherent risks involved in exploring such areas. Despite the scare, the stunning visuals of the eruption and the safe outcome make this a compelling news story.