3 dead in Turkey’s tourist region after rock collapse

NewsEmergency teams work in the aftermath where parts of a volcanic rock formation collapsed in Cappadocia, central Turkey, Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. (Turan Bulut/IHA via AP)Turan Bulut/IHA via APAt least three are dead and five people are injured after parts of a large volcanic rock formation collapsed down in Cappadocia, a popular tourist attraction in Turkey.According to The Associated Press, the fairy chimney - a section of the rock formation — fell, forcing officials to send in medical and rescue teams.Gov. Huseyin Kok said, per the report, recent heavy rains likely caused the collapse, which occurred near a parking lot at an entrance to the site.“We hope that there are no other casualties,” the governor said, adding that rescue teams were continuing to search for other people who may be trapped under the debris. “We are deeply saddened.”Kok said two of the three dead were Turkish nationals. Information on the third death was not reported.The collapse occurred on Turkey’s Republic Day holiday, when the area would have been crowded with visitors.Cappadocia, according to the report, is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site famed for its distinctive rock formations and ancient underground cities. It is one of the country’s most visited tourism locations.The Associated Press contributed to this report.Mark Heim is a senior writer who provides sports, news and trending content. He co-hosts a daily sports radio show on WNSP-FM 105.5 in Mobile. Heim has been recognized with awards for his writing, headlines and...