Mount Etna erupts LIVE: Eruption updates, latest warnings, ash cloud, flights and maps
MOUNT Etna has sparked a red alert for flights as the latest eruption sent magma and lava pouring into a valley triggering a violent explosion injuring ten people.
By KATIE MANSFIELD
Express.co.uk
Fri, Mar 17, 2017
Yesterday ten people were injured when magma flowing into snow caused a violent explosion that sent stones and rocks flying into the air, emergency services said.
Amongst those hurt near the summit of Etna on the island of Sicily were members of BBC television crew.
BBC science correspondent Rebecca Morelle said: “Running down a mountain pelted by rocks, dodging burning boulders and boiling steam – not an experience I ever ever want to repeat
“BBC team all ok – some cuts/ bruises and burns. Very shaken though – it was extremely scary.”
Italian officials said six people had to be taken to hospital, but nobody was in a serious condition.
Etna is Europe’s most active volcano. After a quiet couple of years it burst into action in February with repeated explosive eruptions that sent orange plumes of lava into the air.
Thursday’s explosion was the result of a so-called phreatomagmatic eruption, caused by magma hitting water – in this case snow.
As Mount Etna continues to erupt, here is a look at all the latest warnings, travel updates and maps from Italy.
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