ISTANBUL, April 18 (Xinhua) -- A cave collapse in Türkiye's northwestern province of Bursa during an illegal treasure hunt killed three individuals on Thursday, as reported by local media.
The incident occurred in the Iznik district, where the three individuals were conducting an unauthorized excavation inside a cave for ancient artifacts. The cave-in trapped them as rocks fell upon them, according to the Ihlas news agency.
Following the report of the collapse, gendarmerie forces and emergency teams were dispatched to the scene and discovered the bodies of the treasure hunters entombed in the debris, the agency reported.
The cave, known to be frequented by treasure seekers, has been subject to periodic illegal excavations. Ihlas disclosed that an immediate investigation into the tragic event was initiated, and gendarmerie personnel are examining the site to determine if others were involved in the unlawful activities. ■
