### Majestic Mount Etna Erupts, Tourists Flee

A dramatic video now making the rounds on social media captures the intense moment when dozens of tourists scramble to escape a massive volcanic eruption by running down an ash-covered hill. The unsettling footage was filmed near Mount Etna on the island of Sicily, which erupted with tremendous force on Monday morning.

In the clip, a man’s voice can be heard urgently shouting, "Stop the boat! Come on!" About forty seconds into the video, a colossal cloud engulfs the hillside in shadow. Another tourist, in a separate video obtained by CNN, remarked, "We were nearly grazed, look at this cloud here. We were two steps away and thank goodness we have a responsible guide with us." The tourist further added, "It arrived all at once, an immense smoke, immense, immense roar."

Mount Etna is notorious for its frequent activity and is considered one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Eruptions are not uncommon; as recently as February, a powerful eruption caused the diversion of several flights at a nearby airport. However, the magnitude of this week’s event has not been observed since 2014, according to the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology Observatory.

Fortunately, reports from the BBC and CNN indicate that damages or injuries from the frequent eruptions are extremely rare. In this latest instance, all tourists were safely evacuated. The footage of the eruption is nonetheless compelling, showing Etna blasting a thick cloud of gas and rock high into the air, leaving nearby villages blanketed in ash.

Experts suggest this eruption may have been triggered by the partial collapse of the volcano’s crater, causing material to cascade down its sides. The event itself was likely due to gas bubbles in the magma chamber bursting suddenly, propelling material skyward, posing a significant risk to nearby aircraft.

Despite the inherent dangers, Mount Etna continues to attract hikers eager for an unforgettable experience. Alessio Zocco, a local hiking guide, conveyed to CNN, "Mount Etna is a majestic and unpredictable force of nature. It commands respect, but it also offers one of the most powerful and awe-inspiring experiences you can witness." He added that with proper knowledge, preparation, and humility, it's possible to explore the volcanic landscape safely and meaningfully.