Sicilian village cleans up ash, stones from Mt Etna eruption

PEDARA, Sicily (AP) — Residents and municipal teams have spent the day cleaning up a Sicilian village near Mount Etna after Europe’s most active volcano spewed lava, ashes and volcanic stones. The eruption forced the temporary closure of Sicily’s Catania Airport, a frequent occurrence when Etna is in an active phase. But since Tuesday’s volcanic activity was largely expected, areas surrounding the crater were secured and there were no reported injuries or deaths. Nearby residents said the eruption was unusual in that big chunks of volcanic stones carpeted the area, not just ash. Driving motorbikes and scooters was forbidden Wednesday in the village of Pedara, and the speed limit for cars was reduced to keep ash from spreading.