A volcano has erupted on the Sicilian island of Stromboli, killing a hiker and reportedly sending tourists fleeing into the sea.
The person, believed to be a tourist, was killed by falling stones during a walk, a rescue service official told Reuters.
The unexpected eruption started fires on the western side of the small Mediterranean island and sent plumes of grey smoke into the air.
The navy has been deployed for a possible mass evacuation, with 70 people already evacuated.
Stromboli is one of the longest continuously active volcanoes in the world and has been erupting for about 2,000 years.
Was out enjoying nice day on Italian sea when the volcano they say “never has big eruptions” had a major eruption. #Stromboli pic.twitter.com/ij5CagZZtd
— Ben Meisel (@SelfDrivingBen) July 3, 2019
The vulcano #Stromboli just erupted. Never seen something like that. pic.twitter.com/YmPnwaWRVC
— Carmelo Saia (@SaiaCarmelo) July 3, 2019
