Volcano eruption causes panic in Italy (VIDEO)

Dozens of tourists fled as plumes of black smoke erupted from Mount Etna in Sicily

Thick columns of smoke and ash streamed into the sky above eastern Sicily as Mount Etna, Europe’s largest and most active volcano, erupted on Monday, forcing dozens of tourists to flee the area.

The Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) reported that a partial collapse in the volcano’s southeastern crater likely triggered the eruption.

Lava fountains and large plumes of volcanic ash reached an altitude of approximately 6,400 meters (about 4 miles), according to the Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre. Aviation authorities issued a “code red” alert for flights operating in the region, which was later downgraded to orange. Some flights experienced delays due to the volcanic cloud.

Videos captured by hikers and visitors showed terrified tourists fleeing down the mountainside as black smoke billowed from the summit. Media reports suggest that about 40 tourists were on the volcano at the time of the eruption but they all appear to have been safely escorted away from the area. No injuries or fatalities have been reported.