BBC Crew Caught In Mount Etna Explosion

People were hit by 'lava and boiling rocks'.
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A BBC crew has been caught up in an explosion at Mount Etna which one volcanologist at the scene described as “the most dangerous in his 30-year career”.

The incident appears to be a phreatic explosion, where surface snow or water is rapidly heated by contact with magma or lava resulting in a burst of steam, water and rocks.

Initial reports suggest multiple injuries but no fatalities.

The Daily Mirror reported that members of the group suffered burns and head injuries.

Tourists stand in front of pouring lava as Italy's Mount Etna last month.
Tourists stand in front of pouring lava as Italy's Mount Etna last month.
Antonio Parrinello / Reuters

The BBC’s global science correspondent, Rebecca Morelle, was part of the news crew on the volcano at the time.

She estimated that eight people were injured in the incident.

Morelle live-tweeting her experience...

Caught up in incident at Mount Etna - bbc crew & tourists caught up in huge explosion - caused injuries and evacuation from scene. (1)

— Rebecca Morelle (@BBCMorelle) March 16, 2017

Lava flow mixed with steam - caused huge explosion - group pelted with boiling rocks and steam. (2)

— Rebecca Morelle (@BBCMorelle) March 16, 2017
Mount Etna is on the east coast of Sicily.
Mount Etna is on the east coast of Sicily.
Google/HuffPost

Many injured - some head injuries, burns, cuts and bruises. Volcanologist said most dangerous incident experience in his 30 year career (3)

— Rebecca Morelle (@BBCMorelle) March 16, 2017

Incident could have been worse - explosions like this have killed - but seems minor injuries for now. (4)

— Rebecca Morelle (@BBCMorelle) March 16, 2017

Bbc team all ok - some cuts/ bruises and burns. Very shaken though - it was extremely scary. (5)

— Rebecca Morelle (@BBCMorelle) March 16, 2017

Should re-iterate - we are all ok - people brought off mountain quickly by the excellent rescue team (6)

— Rebecca Morelle (@BBCMorelle) March 16, 2017

Reminder of how dangerous & unpredictable volcanoes can be - everyone had a very lucky escape. (7)

— Rebecca Morelle (@BBCMorelle) March 16, 2017

Running down a mountain pelted by rocks, dodging burning boulders and boiling steam - not an experience I ever ever want to repeat (8)

— Rebecca Morelle (@BBCMorelle) March 16, 2017

An estimated 8 injuries logged by medical team here. An amazing 78 year old lady was very close - but safely got away (10)

— Rebecca Morelle (@BBCMorelle) March 16, 2017

The eruption occurred at around 11:30 local time.

According to the BBC, a small explosion was caused when lava mixed with snow, which then prompted a larger blast.

The Sun reported that three Italian scientists were also injured this week at the volcano.

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