Rock Collapse Near Göreme Open Air Museum Kills Two, Five Injured, Area Sealed, Probe Launched

Göreme, Turkey— A large rock formation collapsed near a walking path close to the Göreme Open-Air Museum at around 10:30 a.m. on October 29, 2026, killing two people and injuring five others.

The group was on a guided tour. The path runs below fairy chimney formations that are popular with visitors. Witnesses said a crack was heard, then rocks broke away from a cliff face and fell onto the trail.

Two tourists died at the scene. Their nationalities were not immediately released. Five others were hurt by falling debris. Three were taken to Nevşehir State Hospital. Two were treated at the site for cuts and bruises.

"The rocks came down suddenly," a guide who was nearby told gendarmes. "There was dust everywhere. People ran in all directions." Emergency calls were made within minutes.

AFAD disaster teams and gendarmes arrived with ambulances. They cordoned off the area with tape. Rescue workers used hand tools to move smaller rocks. A drone was flown to check the cliff for further instability.

The Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was not directly hit. The collapse occurred outside the main ticketed area, along an access trail. Museum officials closed that trail and two adjacent viewpoints as a precaution.

The Justice Ministry said prosecutors opened an investigation. Geological engineers were called to inspect the formation. Early assessments pointed to erosion and recent rain weakening the rock. No earthquake activity was recorded at that time.

The Cappadocia region has seen similar collapses in past years. The soft volcanic tuff that forms the fairy chimneys is prone to cracking. Local authorities have previously installed nets and warning signs in some areas.

Tour operators were told to avoid the western trail until further notice. Ticket sales continued for the main museum complex. Officials said a safety review of all marked paths would be carried out.

By evening, the site remained sealed. The injured were reported in stable condition. The investigation into maintenance and prior inspections was still active.