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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Lorenzo Tondo on Mount Etna. Photographs by Antonio Parrinello

High heels and risky selfies: Etna eruptions cause despair among mountain rescuers

Rescue units monitoring the lava flow
Rescue units monitor Etna’s lava flow. Photograph: Antonio Parrinello/The Guardian

A river of fire from the depths of the Earth carves its way through the black rocks of a mountain blanketed white with snow. Above, the setting sun tints the clouds red. Fountains of lava that explode from a crater soar hundreds of metres into the air and Etna’s roar echoes across the Sicilian sky.

Its recent eruptions were a breathtaking spectacle, drawing thousands of tourists and unwary daytrippers – many there for a selfie. For some, the outcome was catastrophic.

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