The incredible moment lightning strikes hit an erupting volcano has been captured
The incredible moment lightning strikes hit an erupting volcano has been captured
The incredible moment when a bolt of lightning struck an erupting volcano in Guatemala was caught on camera.

The mesmerizing footage shows multiple bolts hitting the mountain, creating a spider web pattern, streaking and flashing across the sky. The lightening creates a dazzling visual spectacle as they appear to converge upon lava and smoke emanating from the mountain's vent.

The footage shows Volcan de Fuego, Volcano of Fire, and occurred on September 21st. The volcano is considered one of the world's most active, shooting ash into the sky every 15 minutes or so.


The phenomenon of lightning appearing to strike volcanic material as it is thrust into the sky is rarely observed.

So-called 'volcanic lightning' arises from colliding, fragmenting particles of volcanic ash and sometimes ice, which generate static electricity within the volcanic plume.

The earliest recorded observations of volcanic lightning are from Pliny the Younger, describing the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

The Roman author and administrator wrote: 'There was a most intense darkness rendered more appalling by the fitful gleam of torches at intervals obscured by the transient blaze of lightning.'

Due to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire in Guatemala, has an unusually high density of volcanoes.

There are at least 324 volcanoes and 'eruptive centres' throughout the country, which is about half the size of Great Britain.

Three, Fuego, Pacaya, and Santiaguito, are currently active and under surveillance by Guatemalan authorities.

Fuego, which stands at more than 10,000 feet above sea level, is the most active stratovolcano in Central America.

Its last significant eruption happened in December 2022, with ash landing up to 30 miles away.

Its eruption in June 2018 killed more than 300 people and threw ash 30,000 feet above sea level.

The hills around the volcano are littered with accommodations where tourists can stay up and watch the volcano erupt through the night.

Recently, heavy rainfall in the area created a dangerous build up of mudflow, combined with heavy ash. In 1541, the mudflow created by the mix of rain and volcano ash destroy the first established city in Guatemala, Ciudad Vieja, which was set up by Spanish Conquistadors.