A 55-year-old American tourist tragically passed away after falling ill during an excursion on the southern side of Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy, according to the country’s alpine rescue service.
The exact cause of his illness remains unknown, but rescuers highlighted the dangers posed by high temperatures and humidity, which can be hazardous for tourists who may not be adequately prepared for such conditions.
The alpine rescue team and an air ambulance were dispatched to the scene in a remote area after being alerted on Thursday afternoon. Despite efforts to revive the man, he was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was then transported to the nearest service area for transfer to a hospital mortuary.
Alfio Ferrara, a spokesman for the Alpine Rescue Service, emphasized the risks associated with these excursions. “Tourists should not underestimate the dangers of high temperatures, strong humidity, and sudden altitude changes,” Ferrara warned. “Many agree to these excursions, reaching altitudes of 2,000-2,300 meters (6,500 to 9,800 feet), often after spending the day at the beach.”
On Thursday, temperatures on Mount Etna were estimated to be between 25 and 28 degrees Celsius (77 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit). Italian authorities had declared a red weather alert in seven cities, mainly in the central regions of the country.
The combination of heat and humidity can pose risks to both healthy individuals and those with preexisting health conditions, the rescuers cautioned.
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Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano, has experienced a significant increase in activity over the past week.
