Terrified Tourists Flee as Mount Etna Erupts, Sending Massive Ash Plume Skyward

Sicily, Italy — June 2, 2025

In a dramatic scene on the Italian island of Sicily, terrified tourists were seen running for their lives as Mount Etna, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, erupted violently on Monday morning, June 2, 2025. The eruption sent a gigantic plume of ash and gas soaring into the sky, casting a dark shadow over the region and prompting urgent safety concerns.

According to the Daily Mail, the eruption began in the early hours, with Mount Etna exhibiting a Strombolian eruption characterized by explosive bursts from its southeast crater. “Over the past few hours, the falling of a little thin ash has been flagged in the Piano Vetore area,” local reports noted, signaling the start of intensified volcanic activity. Videos captured the chaotic moment as tourists scrambled to escape the ominous cloud of ash and gas billowing from the volcano.

Mount Etna, located on Sicily’s eastern coast, stands as Europe’s tallest and most active volcano, reaching 11,165 feet, according to The Weather Channel. The volcano has been particularly active over the last five years, with this latest eruption underscoring its unpredictable power. The Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) reported a gradual increase in volcanic tremor amplitude starting around 10 p.m. the previous evening, culminating in explosive activity and lava fountains, as noted in posts on X by Italia24HLive and mondoterremoti.

A striking pyroclastic flow, likely triggered by a partial collapse of material from the northern flank of the southeast crater, added to the intensity, with photos and videos from locals like Franz Cannizzo, Pippo Vitaliti, and Roberta Tartoni circulating widely on social media. The MirrorBreaking_ and Artanis041 on X described the event as a “huge explosion” and a “major eruption,” capturing the awe and fear it inspired.

While no immediate injuries were reported, the eruption has raised concerns for nearby communities. Ashfall was noted in the Piano Vetore area, and the potential for further disruption looms, given Etna’s history of impacting air travel and local infrastructure. In past eruptions, such as one in July 2024, ash clouds forced the closure of Catania Airport, a key hub at the foot of the volcano.

Mount Etna’s frequent activity draws thousands of tourists annually, eager to witness its fiery displays, but authorities urge caution. The volcano’s long history of eruptions, dating back to 1500 B.C. according to NASA, makes it a geological marvel but also a persistent hazard. As this breaking story unfolds, officials and the INGV continue to monitor the situation, with updates expected as the eruption evolves.

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