The Villarrica volcano, in southern Chile, started erupting overnight, sending a column of fire and rocks into the dark sky.
The eruption started at about 3 a.m. local time (5 a.m. GMT, 12 a.m. EST).
Local news website Emol.com reports that the eruption was highly expected, after weeks of increasing activity. Local authorities called for a red alert in all the area surrounding the volcano and nearby communities were evacuated.
The volcano has already experienced two major eruptions, in 1964 and 1971.
Here's a dramatic GIF of the eruption.
The volcano is about 2,860 metres (9,380 ft) high.
Villarrica is about 750 km south of Chile's capital Santiago.
Google Maps
And here are some of the best images that started appearing on social networks this morning:
"@RodrigoEBR: A volcano in southern Chile named Villarrica just exploded. Photo via @CabroGoogleao pic.twitter.com/XJ0R899fXG" // Brígido
- apple pie ? (@reneegomez) March 3, 2015Photos of #Villarrica volcano erupting in Chile by @AraucaniadDTodo red alert http://t.co/SII6j0ZIBj pic.twitter.com/K7PYaPkcKg
- WeatherBug (@WeatherBug) March 3, 2015AMAZING PHOTO: Villarrica volcano erupting in Chile via @NGalloR pic.twitter.com/YaYUPHWqE1
- Nancy Hennen (@tweetbrk) March 3, 2015Wow! Fountains of lava spewing from #Villarrica volcano in S Chile last nightRed alert - local areas being evacuated pic.twitter.com/6cd7I6siZt
- Stephen Hicks (@seismo_steve) March 3, 2015