Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest and most active volcano, erupted on June 2, 2025. When it did, it erupted with unprecedented power — blasting billowing plumes of hot ash and volcanic debris into the stratosphere. Mount Etna, located on the eastern coast of Sicily, has become more active and aggressive recently. This most recent eruption is Fuego’s fourth since November 2022. State disaster officials said the eruption led to no injuries or damages. Just to be safe, they advise folks to avoid approaching the crater.
New Yorkers Nicholas DiLeonardi and Michelle Nigro-DiLeonardi were traveling on their honeymoon. During a hike up Mount Etna one day, they found themselves in a tense situation. While hiking on the trails, they saw nearby smoke suddenly change to a deep red color—an omen of the surprise eruption to come.
Everyone is still hiking and going farther up,” noted Michelle Nigro-DiLeonardi. She pointed out that the majority of visitors do not know about the current volcanic activity.
Nicholas DiLeonardi shared a combination of wonder and alarm as he witnessed the eruption. “When we were up there, I was like, ‘OK, if this is another Pompeii, at least we’re together,’” he stated. This seemingly simple comment speaks to the couple’s capacity and desire to seek comfort from one another, even during what would otherwise be a terrifying experience.
Marcello Moro, a helicopter tour pilot who was one of the first to see the eruption from above, shared what he witnessed in dramatic fashion. What struck Becker the most was how fast the volcanic activity ramped up. Then the activity increased, and I was forced to physically back up. I had to become the pilot and decide to land,” Moro said. His first-person account offered an unprecedented firsthand look at how the eruption affected the tourists that still visited—and the natural landscapes that were forever altered.
What happened on the June 2 eruption of Mount Etna is a good reminder about how unpredictable volcanic activity can be. Few places on earth can match the natural beauty, history, and geological significance of Mount Etna. This has made it an exciting hub for tourists and scientists. Similarities between recent eruptions and historical events have been making headlines. For example, experts compare it to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D., underscoring the lethal consequences that such natural disasters can usher in.
…we’re watching the situation intently,” said officials. They continue to advise visitors to be cautious and remain vigilant against any additional volcanic activity.
