Three Killed in Rockfall at Turkish Tourist Site
A geological formation known as a 'fairy chimney' collapsed after heavy rain, sending rocks onto visitors near the Goreme Open-Air Museum.
Three people were killed and five injured when a rockfall occurred Thursday at Cappadocia, a popular tourist destination in central Turkey. The incident happened around 3:15 p.m. local time when rocks tumbled from a volcanic geological formation known as a "fairy chimney." The collapse followed heavy rainfall in the region.
The falling rocks struck individuals near the Goreme Open-Air Museum. Nevsehir Governor Huseyin Kok stated that two of the deceased were Turkish nationals and did not immediately provide details about the third victim. He added that officials hope there are no further casualties.
Cappadocia is renowned for its unique “fairy chimneys,” which are tall, narrow, often cone-shaped rock formations, and its cave dwellings and ancient rock-cut churches. The area attracts numerous tourists, drawn by its distinctive landscape and local folklore associated with the formations.
Rescue teams were present at the scene, sifting through the debris. It remains unclear if the deceased and injured were tourists, local workers, or other individuals.
This incident follows other recent fatal accidents involving tourists at popular destinations. Earlier in October, a Brazilian tourist died in Arizona after being struck by roofing material at Taliesin West, a historic landmark. Additionally, an American tourist fell to her death in Italy's Dolomites mountains while on vacation.