Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Mount Etna: Incredible video of the volcano erupting for first time in two years

Timelapse video shows the moment a rare “dirty thunderstorm” broke out, creating a stunning picture over Sicily’s skyline.

Ryan Ramgobin
Friday 04 December 2015 11:46 GMT
Comments
Incredible footage of Mt Etna erupting

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Timelapse video has emerged showing the incredible moment Mount Etna erupted for the first time in two years.

The eruption caused a rare “dirty thunderstorm”, spewing ash into the Sicily skyline lit up by volcanic lightning.

Incredible video of the volcano erupting for first time in two years
Incredible video of the volcano erupting for first time in two years

The explosion took place on Thursday morning and lasted for around an hour.

The phenomenon occurs when tiny fragments of rock, ash and ice rub together to form static electricity.

Mount Etna is the tallest active volcano in Europe, measuring at 3329m high and has been exploding for an estimated 2.5 million years. The huge plume was created in the Voragine crater, which was formed in the volcano's central crater in 1945.

It is the first time in two years there has been an eruption.

Mount Etna erupts in Sicily

No injuries have been reported from the eruption.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in