Iconic rock arch used as Game of Thrones backdrop collapses

Valletta - The Azure Window, a natural rock arch which jutted into the sea off Malta and was a backdrop for the Game of Thrones TV series, has collapsed in a storm.

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

No one was injured.

The site from where one could admire it-Tieqa tad-Dwejra. Heartbreaking. pic.twitter.com/S4XV6MyKRu

— Joseph Muscat (@JosephMuscat_JM) March 8, 2017

Geologist Peter Gatt said the limestone pillar supporting the arch had given way. He attributed the collapse to years of erosion by the sea.

The Azure 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 ($1,580) for anyone caught walking across the arch.

Khaleesi, part of your home is gone! :( #RIP #AzureWindow @GameOfThrones @emiliaclarke pic.twitter.com/nqO7TN5D26

— Ryan Paul Abela (@RyanPaulAbela) March 8, 2017