Bridge Failure at Cunca Wulang Waterfall Leaves Two Austrian Tourists Dead
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- Two Austrian tourists were killed after a suspension bridge collapsed at Cunca Wulang waterfall in Labuan Bajo, exposing safety concerns at tourist sites.
- A tragic accident in East Nusa Tenggara claimed the lives of a foreign couple after faulty bridge infrastructure caused a fatal fall.
- The deaths of two tourists at a popular Labuan Bajo attraction highlight the urgent need for stricter safety measures in Indonesia’s tourism sector.
Jakarta – Two Austrian tourists died after falling from a damaged suspension bridge at the Cunca Wulang waterfall in West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), highlighting renewed concerns over safety standards at Indonesia’s природ tourism sites.
The victims, identified as Jurgen Perjul (55) and Astrid Perjul (57), are believed to have been a married couple traveling from Austria to Labuan Bajo, one of Indonesia’s premier tourist destinations. Their bodies have since been evacuated by a joint search and rescue (SAR) team to Komodo Regional General Hospital.
According to Fathur Rahman, head of the Maumere SAR Office and mission coordinator, the fatal accident occurred when several wooden planks on the suspension bridge collapsed as the couple attempted to cross.
“The crossing boards on the suspension bridge broke, causing both victims to fall,” Fathur said on Sunday (May 24).
Photographs from the scene show a section of the bridge with missing wooden planks, leaving a hazardous gap along the pathway. The structural damage is believed to have directly contributed to the incident.
The couple arrived at the Cunca Wulang waterfall area at approximately 11:30 a.m. local time. While crossing the bridge, which stands around 20 meters above rocky terrain, they reportedly lost footing after the planks gave way and fell onto the rocks below.
“Unfortunately, both victims fell during the crossing and died at the scene,” Fathur added.
Cunca Wulang waterfall, known for its scenic canyon and natural pools, is a popular inland attraction near Labuan Bajo. The site is managed by the West Manggarai Tourism, Creative Economy, and Culture Agency.
The incident has raised urgent questions about infrastructure maintenance and visitor safety at tourist destinations in the region, especially as Labuan Bajo continues to attract increasing numbers of international travelers.
Indonesianpost.com | Detik
