A rock spire collapsed in the Cappadocia region of central Turkey on Thursday, killing two people and injuring a third, according to the governor of Nevsehir province who appeared on private broadcaster NTV. The incident occurred during a tourist season, and emergency crews responded to the site amid reports of heavy rainfall that had affected the area.
Fairy chimneys, a type of erosion‑formed rock spire that has earned Cappadocia a tourist reputation, are composed of soft volcanic tuff capped by harder basalt. The collapsed spire was located near a popular hiking trail that attracts thousands of visitors each year. The sudden failure of the structure created a debris field that blocked the trail, forcing hikers to detour while rescue teams secured the area.
Nevsehir Governor Huseyin Kok told the private station that the collapse was caused by a landslide triggered by recent heavy rainfall. He added that emergency response units were on the scene within minutes and that two victims had been transported to the nearest hospital, where one remained in intensive care. Three other injured were assessed at a local clinic.
A post by Al Arabiya English on Facebook also reported that a landslide caused the rock spire collapse and that the local governor confirmed two deaths. The post, which was shared with the public, highlighted the role of heavy rainfall in destabilizing the fragile structure. No additional casualties were mentioned beyond the two fatalities and one injury reported by the governor.
Local authorities confirmed that highway access to the region remained open, but signage was placed to warn tourists of the danger zone. Search and rescue teams coordinated with the Nevsehir civil protection agency to clear debris and assess other nearby formations for stability. The governor urged visitors to stay on marked trails and heed official warnings. They also requested that emergency vehicles maintain clear access routes.
Cappadocia has experienced similar issues with its rock spires in the past. Authorities have issued seasonal advisories during periods of heavy rain or after strong winds. Previous incidents have resulted in smaller injuries, but the current collapse has prompted a review of safety protocols for popular tourist routes.
The tourist sector, which is a major contributor to Nevsehir's economy, has expressed concern over the impact of the incident on visitor numbers. Local hotels have not yet reported a noticeable downturn in bookings, though the region's tourism board officials have cautioned that incidents like this could affect perceptions of safety.
At the time of the report, emergency services continued to monitor other rock spires for potential danger. Visitors were advised to pay attention to local authorities' updates. No further casualties or injuries have been announced since the governor's statements. The situation remains under close observation by Nevsehir officials and local emergency response teams.
