Italy's Mount Etna erupts in smoky display sending panicked tourists running for safety

Italy’s Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, started erupting Monday — sending scores of panicked tourists running for safety.

Huge plumes of smoke filled the sky around Sicily as the famous landmark began to explode first thing, causing nearby homes to shake.

The Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre Toulouse quickly issued a “code red” as volcanic ash began falling over the tourist haven.

🌋 Il momento della colata piroclastica nel versante sud-est dell'Etna ripreso dalla telecamera di Santa Venerina della Protezione Civile Regione Sicilia.

Nel secondo video, di Mario Denaro, la fuga degli escursionisti e dei visitatori della direzione della colata. pic.twitter.com/LvBrnS3OVS — Italia 24H Live 🔴 – Notizie dall'Italia (@Italia24HLive) June 2, 2025

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The agency had warned in