Columns of volcanic ash, gas and rock rose into the sky above Mount Etna following an eruption at the active volcano on the east coast of the Italian island of Sicily this morning.
According to the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, the cloud was probably caused by a collapse of material from the northern flank of the southeast crater.
The institute said the eruptions began around 11am local time and were intense and continuous in nature.
It added in a later statement that the explosive activity at the southeast crater has since become a lava fountain.
The eruption has not affected the operations of the nearby Catania airport.
The president of the region of Sicily, Renato Schifani, said experts had assured him there was "no danger for the population", with the flow not having passed the Valley of the Lions, an area frequented by tourists.
Videos posted on social media appeared to show tourists hurrying down the side of the volcano, some taking photos, but their authenticity could not be determined.
At 3,330 metres high, Mount Etna is Europe's tallest active volcano.
It is believed to have the longest documented history of eruptions among all volcanoes, with records dating back to as early as 425 BC.
It remains popular with tourists, who often go on guided tours to see its eruptions.
