Three dead in rock spire collapse at tourist site in Turkiye's Cappadocia
Three people died after a rock spire collapsed in Turkiye's Cappadocia region due to heavy rainfall.
In brief
Three people died after a rock spire collapsed in Turkiye's Cappadocia region due to heavy rainfall. Three people died when a rock spire collapsed in Turkiye's Cappadocia region following heavy rainfall. Originally reported by Dawn.
Rock spire collapse
A landslide triggered by heavy rainfall caused a rock spire to collapse in Turkiye’s Unesco World Heritage-listed Cappadocia region on Thursday.
Death toll rises
Rescue teams pulled another body from the rubble, bringing the death toll to three, Nevsehir Governor Huseyin Kok said.
Initial casualties
According to initial findings, two people were killed and five others injured in the incident, Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said on X.
Time of incident
The incident occurred at 3:15pm local time (5:15pm PKT) when a landslide triggered a rockfall in the town of Goreme near the open-air museum.
Public closure
The area was closed to the public following the collapse, according to reports.
Eyewitness account
Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud noise as the rock spire near a car park collapsed, sending up a huge cloud of dust.
Rescue efforts
Search and rescue teams are continuing intensive, coordinated operations to locate any other victims who may be trapped under the debris.
Restoration work
Turkiye’s culture and tourism ministry has launched restoration work in the region to help preserve the fragile rock formations from climate-related damage, natural erosion and human activity.
Past incidents
In 2024, another rockfall was reported in Cappadocia, although no deaths or injuries were recorded.
UNESCO description
A Unesco heritage site since 1985, Goreme national park and the rock sites of Cappadocia are 'a landscape of harmony combining human interaction and settlement with dramatic natural landforms,' according to the UN agency.
Tourism impact
In 2025, some 4.5 million domestic and foreign tourists visited the region, according to tourism ministry figures.
Safety concerns
Hot-air ballooning in Cappadocia is a thriving industry that sees dozens of balloons take to the skies on clear mornings, but concerns have been raised about safety following a series of accidents.
What it means
Three people died when a rock spire collapsed in Turkiye's Cappadocia region following heavy rainfall.
