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An American tourist has died after being struck by lightning while hiking on Mount Etna in Sicily.<\/b><\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
A series of recent eruptions from Europe’s most active volcano have caused local air traffic disruption but have also drawn in many tourists.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Italy’s civil protection agency warns that a combination of volcanic activity and sudden weather changes higher up the mountain can make conditions hazardous. <\/p>\n
About 1.5 million people visit Etna every year. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n