Cappadocia: part of a "fairy chimney" collapses in Göreme, three people killed

On Thursday 29 October 2026, part of one of the famous rock formations known as "fairy chimneys" collapsed in Cappadocia, in Nevşehir province in central Turkey. It happened in Göreme, a popular spot with tourists.

Casualties

Early reports from local media, cited by the BBC, spoke of two deaths. Later information, based on a statement from the Göreme local authorities, says three people died and five were injured. Four of the injured were discharged after treatment. The fifth remains in Nevşehir State Hospital.

The Polish outlet TVN24, citing the Turkish daily Hürriyet, reported that rocks fell on visitors who were nearby. The nationalities of the dead and injured have not been given.

Possible cause

According to the Reuters agency, as cited by TVN24, heavy rain in the region in recent days may have contributed to the damage to the formation. This is so far a supposition, not an established cause.

What "fairy chimneys" are

They are distinctive, cone-shaped rock formations created by the erosion of volcanic rock. They are among the main attractions of Cappadocia. According to the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Göreme is one of the most visited places in the region.

What this means for you

Cappadocia is a popular destination for tourists, including from the UK and Poland. People planning a trip there should follow local authorities' announcements about site access and any closures. They should also follow signs and staff instructions, especially after heavy rain. The sources we used do not report any closure of the site or changes to entry rules.