Rock collapse causes casualties at Turkish tourist hotspot media

Rock collapse causes casualties at Turkish tourist hotspot media

At least two people have reportedly been killed and another hospitalized after part of a fairy chimney rock formation broke off in Cappadocia
At least two people have been killed and another injured after rocks broke off a natural formation at a popular tourist destination in Türkiye’s Cappadocia region, local media have reported, citing provincial authorities.
The incident occurred at around 3:15 PM local time on Thursday following heavy rainfall, Nevsehir Governor Huseyin Kok told reporters.
The collapse took place near the entrance to the Goreme Open-Air Museum, where rocks broke off one of the region’s distinctive fairy chimney formations.
Rescue teams recovered two bodies from beneath the debris, while another person was taken to hospital with injuries, according to the governor.
Police, gendarmerie, medical personnel, and disaster response teams were dispatched to the scene, he said.
Rescuers are continuing to search the debris for anyone who might still be trapped, while the authorities have yet to release the victims’ identities or nationalities.
According to media reports, rain and wind have affected the region intermittently this week, forcing the cancellation of Cappadocia’s popular hot-air balloon tours on Wednesday and Thursday.
Similar rock collapses have occurred in Cappadocia in recent years. In September 2025, part of another fairy chimney in Goreme broke off, with local officials attributing the damage to temperature fluctuations and freeze-thaw conditions. No injuries were reported.
Cappadocia is one of Türkiye’s most popular tourist destinations, known for its distinctive fairy chimney rock formations, ancient cave churches, and underground cities. The Goreme National Park and Rock Sites of Cappadocia are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.