A fairy chimney collapsed in the world-famous tourist destination of Cappadocia which resulted in the death of three persons and injuries to five others in Turkey.
The incident occurred at 15:15 hours on Thursday, October 29, 2026, in close vicinity to the Göreme Open-Air Museum. According to the information provided to the local media by the Governor of Nevşehir, Hüseyin Kök, rain causing a landslide resulted in part of the fairy chimney crashing on the people that were close to it.
The site of the incident is close to a parking lot nearby. Witnesses remarked that they heard a loud noise of crashing before big clouds of dust rose above the place of the accident.
Police and rescue and ambulance workers started coming to the incident scene quickly to take the victims out and look for people that might be trapped under the debris.
Akin Gürlek, the Justice Minister of Turkey, stated that three persons died and five others were injured as a result of the tragedy. Of course, two of the deceased persons were Turkish citizens and one person was a foreign citizen.
Rescue efforts continued through the night, with authorities assessing whether anyone else was trapped under rocks. Equipment and machinery were used to carry out the works while bright lamps were lit up.
“Now, we have concluded all the work done, meaning all inspections have been completed,” Governor Kök stated.
He added that rescue forces have left the scene when it was once again confirmed that there is no need for further help anymore.
What are Cappadocia’s Fairy Chimneys?
Cappadocia fairy chimneys are unusual rocky formations that look like towers and cones. They are among the most noticeable and recognizable features of the region, which is highly visited by tourists.
The formations were created as a result of various geological processes that happened throughout many million years.
In the course of months, the effects of wind, rain, and temperature fluctuations slowly started wearing away the softer material. Meanwhile, harder pieces of rock above have been protecting the layers of rock under them and led to the creation of some astonishing cones that can be observed in the area now.
Another thing that makes Cappadocia popular is mysterious cities hidden underground, ancient churches, and historical houses that attract more and more visitors from all over the world.
Authorities Investigate the Collapse
Turkey has initiated an investigation regarding the collapse in order to find out the reasons of the occurrence.
As the governor Kök announced, the prosecution office will carry out the investigation starting from Friday, but its employees will be supported by data gathered by several professionals.
The area immediately surrounding the place has also been closed while the investigation is being conducted.
The inquiry is likely to analyze circumstances of the collapse, heavy rains results and the state of the rock formation.
