Italy’s alpine rescue service reported Friday that a 55-year-old American tourist died after falling ill during an outing on the southern side of Mount Etna in Sicily.
They did not know what had caused his illness but advised about the dangers of high temperatures and humidity which can be perilous to tourists who normally do not get ready for such excursions.
The emergency response took place in the afternoon after a search and rescue mission called them to a remote location.
The paramedics could not revive him, so he was pronounced dead at the scene before being taken to a hospital morgue at the nearest service area, rescuers said.
Alfio Ferrara, an Alpine Rescue spokesman, warned: “Tourists who embark on these tours should never underestimate risks associated with high temperature, strong humidity and sudden rise in altitude.”
He added “Sometimes they agree to go on such trips that are held at altitudes of between 2 000-2 300 meters (6 500-9 800 feet) following their stay at beaches.”
According to Ferrara, Mount Etna was estimated to have reached temperatures between 25 and 28 degrees Celsius (77-82 degrees Fahrenheit) on Thursday. Seven Italian cities meant for this weather condition warning including several central regions recorded red alert by government officials on Thursday.
This group also warned that humid heat would affect everyone regardless of health conditions or those who are healthy.
Etna has been much more active over the past week; it is Europe’s highest volcano which is still live.
