Holiday crowd in Cappadocia hit by rock slide

Visitors in central Turkey faced a sudden disruption on Thursday when a section of a volcanic rock formation collapsed in the Goreme district. The incident occurred in Cappadocia, a region known for its unique geological structures. Authorities confirmed that at least two people died in the crash. One additional person sustained injuries.

Local officials said the collapse happened during the Republic Day holiday. This national celebration draws large crowds to popular tourist sites across the country. The area was crowded with visitors at the time of the incident. Rescue teams deployed medical and recovery units to the scene immediately after the event.

Huseyin Kok, the governor of the region, offered a probable cause for the accident. He stated that recent heavy rainfall likely weakened the rock structure. Kok noted that search operations continued at the site. Teams were looking for other individuals who might be trapped under the debris.

As of the latest reports, officials had not identified the nationalities of the two victims. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It attracts tourists for its distinct rock formations and ancient underground cities. The collapse affected a specific part of the landscape that is central to the region's tourism appeal.

The event underscores the risks associated with visiting natural landmarks during peak holiday seasons. While the exact number of people in the immediate vicinity was not specified, the timing during a major national holiday suggests a high volume of foot traffic. Rescue efforts focused on clearing the immediate area and assessing the stability of the remaining rock formations.