Two Austrian Tourists Die After Bridge Collapse in Indonesia

Another witness account recalled the terrifying sound. "Plötzlich hörte ich ein sehr lautes Geräusch von brechendem Holz, wie von einem herabfallenden großen Ast." Within seconds, the bridge disintegrated and the tourists fell.

Visitors must cross the roughly 50-metre-long hanging bridge to reach the waterfall, a hike that normally takes about 30 minutes. After the collapse, the area was cordoned off as investigations began.

The Waterfall and Its Risks

The Cunca Wulang Waterfall is about a two-hour drive from the main tourist hub of Labuan Bajo. The site is known for its turquoise water, narrow canyon — sometimes compared to a miniature Grand Canyon — and opportunities for cliff jumping and swimming.

Flores belongs to the Lesser Sunda Islands chain and lies around 500 kilometres east of Bali. The island draws global visitors for its diving spots, volcanic scenery, and proximity to Komodo National Park, home to the rare Komodo dragons.

Fatal accidents at isolated natural sites are not uncommon in Indonesia. Challenging terrain, ageing infrastructure and long rescue distances complicate emergency response across the vast island nation.

Series of Tourist Fatalities

In December 2023, four members of a Spanish family died when their boat capsized off the coast of Flores. In June 2022, a Brazilian woman lost her life in a fall on Mount Rinjani on the island of Lombok, a neighbouring popular hiking destination.

Authorities have not yet released an official cause of the bridge failure. Local officials are expected to examine safety standards at other hanging bridges in the region.