This morning, a sudden and dramatic eruption on Mount Etna, one of the world’s most famous volcanoes, turned a popular tourist spot into a scene of chaos and fear.
Visitors who had come to admire the volcanic landscape found themselves scrambling for safety as an enormous plume of volcanic ash shot more than four miles into the sky.
Crater Collapse Triggers Dangerous Avalanche of Molten Rock
Authorities confirmed that part of Mount Etna’s southeastern crater collapsed shortly after 11am local time, setting off a torrent of molten rock rushing down the volcano’s steep slopes.
This triggered a so-called pyroclastic flow — a fast-moving avalanche of hot ash, gas, and rock — forcing many tourists to flee as the monstrous ash cloud billowed behind them.
Some Tourists Risk Danger to Capture Photos of the Ash Cloud
Despite the obvious danger, some visitors were spotted pausing to take pictures of the dramatic scene, snapping shots of the enormous ash cloud that stretched into the sky above the Sicilian volcano.
Many tourists visit the 3,300-meter high Mount Etna on guided tours, though parts of the volcano are accessible to visitors on their own.
Aviation Warning Issued as Ash Cloud Reaches Over Six Kilometers High
Following the eruption, the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre briefly issued a red aviation warning.
The ash cloud, which reached roughly 6.5 kilometers (or about 4 miles) in height, was accompanied by the pyroclastic flow that occurred at 11:24am local time.
These flows are known for their extreme speed and danger, carrying volcanic debris and gases at terrifying velocities.
Expert Explains the Risks and Causes of Pyroclastic Flows
Dr. Agust Gudmundsson, a volcanologist from Royal Holloway, University of London, explained that even smaller pyroclastic flows are extremely hazardous due to their speed and heat.
While the exact cause of this particular flow is still being investigated, it’s believed to be linked to the crater collapse that triggered the avalanche.
Tourists Describe Sudden and Scary Eruption Experience
One visitor, Jamie Boone from Washington DC, shared her harrowing experience with DailyMail.com.
She said the volcano had been rumbling all morning but nobody expected such a violent eruption.
When the ash cloud erupted, her guide immediately told the group to run for safety.
Jamie described the eruption as loud and explosive, with an avalanche of boiling rock pouring down the mountain.
She said, “That was when it got a little scary, and we weren’t sure how much danger we were in.”
She added that the guide’s quick action probably saved many lives, especially since some hikers were moving toward the eruption.
Pyroclastic Flow Stayed Within the Valley of the Lion Slope
The dangerous flow seemed to stay within the Valley of the Lion, one of Etna’s slopes, and didn’t spread beyond that area.
The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) reported that the flow was likely caused by a collapse of material from the northern flank of the South-East Crater.
After the ash bomb, a “lava fountain” also began erupting.
Ash Cloud Drifting Southwest with Water and Sulfur Dioxide
The INGV noted that the ash cloud mostly consisted of water vapor and sulfur dioxide and was drifting toward the southwest.
Earlier today, the institute had described ongoing intense strombolian explosions — basically bursts of volcanic activity — that were nearly continuous and growing in strength.
Tremors Started Late Last Night and Peaked Early This Morning
Volcanic tremors had been detected starting just after 10pm last night, reaching a peak around 2.8 kilometers below the crater at 2am.
The eruption itself occurred around 11:24am local time (9:24 GMT), catching many off guard.
Activity Calmed but Ash Cloud Still Visible Over Etna
While volcanic activity has calmed somewhat in the hours since the eruption, the ominous grey ash cloud remains visible over Mount Etna, which sits on the eastern coast of Sicily.
This volcano is known as Europe’s most active and has been particularly restless over the last five years.
Past Eruptions Have Caused Major Disruptions and Damage
Last summer, Etna’s eruptions disrupted air traffic at nearby airports, forcing flight diversions due to poor visibility caused by ash clouds.
Catania airport, usually bustling, had to reduce arriving flights dramatically and close part of its facilities.
Local towns also experienced ash fallout covering streets and buildings.
Mount Etna’s Deadliest Eruption Occurred in 1669
Mount Etna is around 500,000 years old and has had many eruptions over its lifetime.
The most devastating eruption recorded was in 1669 when lava flows and earthquakes destroyed 14 villages and towns, killing nearly 20,000 people and leaving thousands homeless.