Rock formation collapse in Cappadocia kills three

On Thursday, October 29, 2026, a deadly rockfall occurred near the entrance of the Goreme Open-Air Museum in Turkey’s Cappadocia region. One of the area's iconic geological structures, known as a "fairy chimney," collapsed, trapping visitors underneath the debris. Initial reports from local officials, including Nevsehir Governor Huseyin Kok, initially indicated two fatalities and one injury, but subsequent updates from the Anadolu Agency confirmed that three people died and five others were injured in the disaster.

Emergency response teams, including personnel from the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), the gendarmerie, and local medical units, were immediately dispatched to the site to conduct search and rescue operations. Authorities believe that heavy rainfall over the preceding hours played a significant role in destabilizing the volcanic rock formations. The incident took place during a national holiday marking the anniversary of the Turkish Republic, a time when the region experiences high tourism traffic. Rescue efforts remained ongoing throughout the day to ensure no further victims remained trapped under the fallen rock mass.