At least three people were killed and five others injured when a volcanic rock formation collapsed in central Turkey's popular Cappadocia region on Thursday.
A section of a "fairy chimney" structure tumbled in the Goreme region near an entrance parking lot, prompting immediate deployment of medical and rescue teams. HaberTurk news channel showed heavy machinery clearing rock debris as search operations continued for potentially trapped visitors.
Governor Huseyin Kok expressed deep sadness, stating that recent heavy rains likely caused the collapse during Turkey's Republic Day holiday, when the UNESCO World Heritage site was crowded. He said two of the deceased were Turkish nationals, while details on the third victim remain unreleased.
Justice Minister Akin Gurlek announced an investigation into the incident at the famed tourism site, renowned for its unique rock formations and ancient underground cities.