Volcano "Villarica" in Southern Chile has erupted in spectacular style.
It erupted around 3am (5pm AEDT), according to the National Emergency Office, which issued a red alert and ordered evacuations.
The eruption prompted the evacuation of thousands of people in and around the surrounding area.
Local media showed images of the volcano bursting at the top, tossing laving and heavy smoke into the air.
Villarica is one of South America’s most active volcanoes. The 2847-metre volcano in Chile’s central valley, 670 kilometres south of Santiago, and sits above the small city of Pucon.
Tourists flock there for outdoor activities, including hiking around the volcano, which last had a major eruption in 1984.
Chilean President Michelle Bachelet announced that she will travel to the volcano-hit area and asked residents to remain calm.
Chilean authorities had issued an orange alert on Monday because of increased activity at the volcano.
For the incredible video of the eruption please click on the link below:
