Italy: Astounding moment snow-capped Mount Etna spews molten lava while plumes of black ash engulf Sicily

On December 28, 2025, Mount Etna, Europe's tallest active volcano on Sicily's eastern coast, erupted, sending molten lava and massive plumes of black ash into the sky. The eruption occurred near the snow-capped peak, creating dramatic visuals as skiers continued to descend the slopes seemingly unaware of the volcanic activity. The event caused significant travel disruptions across the region, affecting air and ground transportation. Mount Etna, located near Catania, has a history of frequent eruptions, with this latest event adding to ongoing monitoring efforts by Italian authorities. The eruption was captured in videos and images shared widely, highlighting the volcano's power and the proximity of human activity to the active site.