Mount Etna Eruption: Tourists Flee as Volcano Erupts

Mount Etna's Surprise Eruption Sends Tourists Fleeing Mount Etna, the active volcano in Sicily, Italy, erupted unexpectedly on Monday, June 2nd, 2025, at approximately 9:24 a.m. Dozens of tourists and their guides were caught in the immediate vicinity and were forced to evacuate as a large plume of ash and smoke erupted from the volcano. The event was captured on video, which quickly circulated on social media. "It was terrifying," said one eyewitness, a tourist from Germany, whose name was not released. "We were walking along the side of the volcano, enjoying the view, when suddenly this huge cloud of ash erupted. We had to run." The video footage shows the tourists and guides running away from the volcano as the ash cloud grows larger and closer. The guides can be heard shouting instructions to their groups, urging them to move quickly and safely. Local authorities reported no injuries, and the eruption itself was relatively short-lived. However, the event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of volcanic activity and the importance of respecting safety guidelines when visiting such areas. The incident also highlights the power of social media in quickly disseminating news and visual information about events as they unfold. The rapid distribution of the video allowed people worldwide to witness the dramatic event almost immediately.