BBC crew 'run to safety while being pelted with rocks' as they are caught up in 'huge explosion' on Mount Etna

A BBC crew member has told how her team were forced to run down a mountain while being "pelted with rocks" as they were caught up in an explosion on Italy's Mount Etna.

At least eight people were injured as scientists fled for safety after the eruption in Sicily.

Tourists and the crew were cleared from the mountain after lava, boiling rocks and steam erupted out of the volcano, which is one of the most active in the world.

Rebecca Morelle, who is BBC News’ global science correspondent, said a team from the Corporation was caught up in the “extremely scary” incident.

She said a volcanologist at the site called it the “most dangerous incident experience in his 30 year career” and described how people were running down the mountain away from rocks.

In recent days Mount Etna has started spewing lava following its most recent eruption, which was on February 28 this year.

According to Italian news reports, scientists investigating the mountain's recent activity were injured in the explosion, which happened when hot magma hit snow surrounding the mountain.

In a string of messages posted on Twitter Ms Morelle said: “Caught up in incident at Mount Etna - BBC crew and tourists caught up in huge explosion - caused injuries and evacuation from scene

“Lava flow mixed with steam caused huge explosion - group pelted with boiling rocks and steam.

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

“BBC team all ok - some cuts/ bruises and burns. Very shaken though - it was extremely scary.

“Should re-iterate - we are all ok - people brought off mountain quickly by the excellent rescue team.”

She said officials had confirmed everyone had been evacuated. Around eight people were injured.

She added: “Reminder of how dangerous and unpredictable volcanoes can be - everyone had a very lucky escape.

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