Local broadcasters and other media reported that strange rock formations collapsed at Cappadocia, a major tourist attraction in Turkey, resulting in casualties.

According to authorities, the "fairy chimney" rock located at the entrance of the Goreme Open-Air Museum in Nevsehir Province, central Turkey, collapsed at around 3:15 p.m. on the 29th (local time).

Rescue workers recovered the bodies of three victims at the scene—two Turkish nationals and one foreign tourist—and transferred five injured people to a nearby hospital.

Videos circulating on social media show falling rocks rolling down toward a parking lot located directly beneath the accident site.

Footage also captured victims trapped under the rocks.

The provincial government of Nevsehir believes the accident was caused by recent heavy rains and is investigating the exact cause.

The tourist destination of Cappadocia is renowned for its natural landscape dense with uniquely shaped rock formations created through long-term erosion processes.

This area is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Although commonly known as a limestone region, it is actually made of tuff formed by volcanic ash settling after eruptions.

This geological formation is not hard and has the characteristic of being easily eroded.

Various cave churches and the underground city of Derinkuyu, created by early Christians who came to the region to escape persecution by the Roman Empire in the past, remain here.

(Photo: Screen capture from social media, Yonhap News)