Watch: Shocking moment lightning strikes volcano

By Fiona Jackson via SWNS

A photographer captured the stunning moment lightning bolts struck the crater of an erupting Mount Etna.

Emilio Messina, 39, hiked to a panoramic point near Trecastagni in Sicily last Thursday (February 10) to grab the shots.

The nature guide witnessed fiery lava spew from the crater while lightning struck overhead to give an awesome light show.

Emilio, from Catania, said: "I've wanted to take this shot for a long time. Events like this on Etna are very rare.

"The eruptive event itself was already one of the most powerful recorded in recent years here on Etna and witnessing lightning coming out of the volcano was a bit scary.

"To avoid being under the fallout material I always check the direction of the wind, and I never get too close."

The content was taken on February 10 at 10:30 PM.