Parts of a large volcanic rock formation crashed down in Turkey's popular tourist region of Cappadocia on Thursday, killing at least three people and injuring five others, officials said. A section of the formation — known as a fairy chimney — tumbled in the Göreme area of Nevşehir province, prompting authorities to deploy medical and rescue teams to the scene.

Source: Associated Press

The collapse occurred at about 3:15 p.m. local time near a parking lot at an entrance to the Göreme site, close to its open-air museum, according to Nevşehir Governor Hüseyin Kök. He said recent heavy rains likely caused the collapse, and that rescue teams were continuing to search for other people who may be trapped under the debris. HaberTurk news channel showed heavy machinery removing chunks of rock from the foot of the formation.

The toll rose through the afternoon. Justice Minister Akın Gürlek said initial assessments put the toll at two people killed and five injured, and AFP reported the governor confirming two bodies recovered and one person taken to hospital; a third body was later pulled from the rubble, bringing the confirmed death toll to at least three. There was no immediate information on the nationalities of the dead.

Source: Turkish Minute (AFP)

Gürlek said an investigation has been launched into the incident. The area was closed to the public following the collapse, according to local reports, and eyewitnesses described hearing a loud noise as the rock spire fell.

Cappadocia, in central Turkey, is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site famed for its distinctive fairy chimney rock formations and ancient underground cities, and is one of the country's most visited tourism locations. The collapse occurred on Turkey's Republic Day holiday, when the area would have been crowded with visitors.