Overview
- A prominent rock "needle" near Göreme in Turkey's Cappadocia region collapsed after a nearby landslide, eyewitnesses reported a loud noise and a large dust cloud at the scene.
- Officials say heavy rainfall caused the landslide that destabilized the formation and led to the collapse.
- Authorities have confirmed three deaths, including two Turkish citizens and one foreign national, and earlier statements reported multiple injuries with at least five people hurt.
- Rescue teams have used heavy machinery and floodlights to search the cordoned-off area for more victims and the Nevsehir prosecutor's office has opened a formal investigation.
- Cappadocia is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for fragile "fairy chimneys," past collapses have raised safety concerns, and the Culture Ministry has previously introduced measures to protect the formations and local tourism.