Mount Etna erupts, sends ash skyward and sparks panic among tourists

Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, erupted on June 2, unleashing towering plumes of ash and smoke into the Sicilian sky and triggering panic among tourists near the summit.

Dramatic footage captured the intensity of the moment, showing frightened visitors scrambling down the mountainside as thick columns of smoke billowed above them. The sudden eruption caught many off guard as clouds of ash swept across the landscape, turning a popular sightseeing stop into a scene of chaos. The iconic volcano, located on the east coast of Sicily, has long been known for its periodic eruptions, but Sunday’s event was particularly forceful. Witnesses described the ground rumbling beneath their feet as the sky darkened with volcanic ash.

Despite the panic, there have been no immediate reports of injuries or risk to nearby residents. Local authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have issued advisories urging the public and tourists to remain cautious as activity continues.

Etna’s eruptions, while spectacular, can be disruptive—affecting air travel, local agriculture, and tourism. Officials have not yet announced any flight disruptions, but airspace in the region is being assessed for volcanic ash hazards