On the morning of March 16, around 11.30, one of the many craters of theEtna exploded, injuring 10 people. They are currently hospitalized in the hospitals of Catania and Acireale, but they are not in serious condition. Fortunately, only a few bruises and a lot of fright.
The crater was, and is, in eruption since March 14. It was therefore not an unusual activity, but only an unfortunate series of events that led to the accident.
Snow and lava
The accident occurred at an altitude of 2700 meters along the slope Nicolosi. The intense activity of one of the many craters caused the melting of the snow that covered the area. Part of this snow poured into the crater itself. The water then came into direct contact with the magma. And within a few seconds the steam released led to the explosion of pyroclastic material (phreatic type eruption). The fragments came up to Belvedere where at that time there were several people admiring the volcano. Ten of these were hit by debris. Among those present also an INGV volcanologist and a BBC crew. Both were documenting the intense activity that is characterizing the volcano these days. At the moment the authorities are considering whether or not to close the Belvedere area to avoid other accidents.
The largest volcano in Europe: Etna
Etna is a volcano located in the eastern area of Sicily. Its intense and constant activity has made it one of the most famous volcanoes in the world. Well known already in the classical age (the name Etna derives from the Greek and means brutish), its eruptions are frequent and regular. In Greek mythology Hephaestus, god of fire, had his forge just below Mount Etna. While the Cyclops manufactured the lightning bolts used as weapons by Zeus.
Returning to the present day, Etna is a real gold mine for volcanologists from all over the world. It is one of the few existing volcanoes that has allowed man to witness the formation of new mouths and craters. Its eruptions, always controlled and studied by scientists, have given many answers to the field of geology and volcanology.
The image of Catania with the erupting Etna behind it is perhaps one of the most classic in all of Sicily.
