Second lightning fatality Sunday was Italian hiker in Alps
The 30-year-old American, whose name has not been released, was hiking on the slopes of Mount Etna when a thunderstorm developed, United Press International reported. Firefighters and emergency responders later found him suffering from cardiac arrest. He was flown to Cannizzaro Hospital in Catania, where he was declared dead.
The area where the man was hiking is designated off-limits to hikers as it nears the summit of the volcano, according to UPI. Italian authorities have expanded the off-limits areas in response to increased volcanic activity.
The American’s death was one of two lightning fatalities reported in Italy on Sunday. In a separate incident, an Italian man was struck by lightning while hiking in the Alps, UPI reported.
Mount Etna draws about 1.5 million visitors each year, with tourists drawn to the volcano in recent days as it has been erupting. Italy’s Civil Protection Agency has said the conditions on the mountain can quickly become hazardous.
“The passage from sea level to high mountain within a few kilometers causes sudden changes in weather due to currents of humid air coming from the sea meeting masses of cold air,” the agency said.