Two Austrian Tourists Killed as Suspension Bridge Collapses in Indonesia

"Sie gingen nebeneinander und lächelten in die Kamera," the guide added. Moments later, he reported hearing a sharp, loud crack. "Plötzlich hörte ich ein sehr lautes Geräusch von brechendem Holz, wie von einem herabfallenden großen Ast."

Within seconds the structure gave way and the two tourists plummeted roughly 20 meters. The guide himself was not injured.

A Popular but Risky Destination

The Cunca Wulang waterfall, about a two-hour drive from the tourist hub of Labuan Bajo, requires visitors to cross an approximately 50-meter-long suspension bridge during a half-hour jungle hike. The waterfall flows into a narrow canyon that resembles a miniature version of the Grand Canyon in the United States, and tourists often jump from rocks and swim in the turquoise pools.

Flores belongs to Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda Islands and lies about 500 kilometers east of Bali. The island draws travelers from around the world with its diving spots, volcanic landscapes, and proximity to Komodo National Park, home to the rare Komodo dragon.

This is not the first fatal accident involving foreign visitors in the region. In December, four members of a six-person Spanish family died when their boat capsized off Flores. In June of the previous year, a Brazilian woman fell to her death on Mount Rinjani on the neighboring island of Lombok.

Growing Toll on Foreign Tourists

Local authorities have not released any information about the bridge’s age, maintenance record, or what may have caused the sudden collapse. No immediate investigation details were disclosed.

The tour guide, who was leading the couple at the time, has given a statement to police. Rahman said the bodies were transported to a local hospital, and arrangements are being made to return them to Austria.