Rock collapse in Turkey's Cappadocia kills at least two, injures five

A fairy chimney—a distinctive volcanic rock formation—collapsed near the Goreme Open-Air Museum in Cappadocia, central Turkey, on Thursday, killing at least two people and injuring five others. The incident occurred at approximately 15:15 local time near the entrance to the UNESCO World Heritage site, during Turkey's Republic Day holiday when the area was crowded with visitors.

Nevsehir Province Governor Huseyin Kok attributed the collapse to recent heavy rains and soil erosion. Rescue and medical teams were deployed to the scene, where heavy machinery was used to clear debris from the foot of the rock formation. Kok confirmed that two bodies had been recovered from under the rubble and stated that rescue operations were continuing to search for other potential victims.

Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced that an investigation had been launched into the incident. According to Kok, two of the identified victims were Turkish nationals, though the nationality of the third victim was not immediately confirmed. The justice minister cautioned that there could be additional people still trapped under the debris.

Cappadocia is one of Turkey's most visited tourism destinations, renowned for its distinctive cone-shaped rock formations created by volcanic activity millions of years ago. The region also features rock-hewn churches, cave dwellings, and underground cities. The collapse occurred on a national holiday, when visitor numbers to the site would have been elevated.