Iconic Azure Window rock arch in Malta collapses

NTD Staff
By NTD Staff
March 8, 2017Entertainment
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Iconic Azure Window rock arch in Malta collapses
DWEJRA, GOZO - MAY 20: The natural arch 'The Azure Window' is seen at Dwejra Bay on May 20, 2014 in Dwejra/Gozo, Malta. (Photo by Sascha Steinbach/Getty Images)

VALLETTA, Malta (AP) — The Azure Window, a natural rock arch which jutted onto the sea of Malta and was a backdrop for the “Game of Thrones” TV series, has collapsed in a storm.

DWEJRA, GOZO - MAY 20: The natural arch 'The Azure Window' is seen at Dwejra Bay on May 20, 2014 in Dwejra/Gozo, Malta. (Photo by Sascha Steinbach/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sascha Steinbach/Getty Images)

Malta Prime Minister Joseph Muscat tweeted on Wednesday his “heartbreaking” sadness at the loss of one of the main tourist attractions on the island of Gozo.

DWEJRA, GOZO - MAY 20: Divers are seen in front of the natural arch 'The Azure Window' at Dwejra Bay on May 20, 2014 in Dwejra/Gozo, Malta. (Photo by Sascha Steinbach/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sascha Steinbach/Getty Images)

No one was injured.

Geologist Peter Gatt said the limestone pillar supporting the arch gave way. He attributed the collapse to years of erosion by both under- and over-ground sea swells.

DWEJRA, GOZO - MAY 20: Divers are seen in front of the natural arch 'The Azure Window' at Dwejra Bay on May 20, 2014 in Dwejra/Gozo, Malta. (Photo by Sascha Steinbach/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sascha Steinbach/Getty Images)

The window also served as a backdrop in the 1981 movie “Clash of the Titans.”

With parts of the rock formation crumbling over the years, the government last month enacted €1,500 fines ($2,300) for anyone caught walking across the arch.

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