Mexico's Popocatepetl erupts in fiery nighttime spectacle

Mexico's mighty Popocatepetl volcano erupted in the early hours Sunday, with a dramatic show of lava and an ash column rising some 1,000 metres into the night sky. According to reports, the explosion occurred at 00:44 (06:44 GMT) and sent lava spewing onto the mountain's flanks and a massive column of ash and gases rising above the volcano's crater.

Popocatepetl is 5,426 metres tall and is the second-highest mountain in Mexico and the fifth-highest in North America. El Popo, as it is affectionately known locally, is one of Mexico's most active volcanoes.