Austrian Tourists Die After Bridge Collapse In Indonesia

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent

JAKARTA/VIENNA (Worthy News) – An Austrian couple died in Indonesia after plunging about 20 meters (65 feet) when a suspension bridge collapsed beneath them near a popular waterfall on the island of Flores, officials confirmed Monday.

The victims, identified by Austrian media only as Jürgen and Astrid P. due to privacy concerns, were reportedly crossing the 50-meter-long (164-foot) wooden bridge on their way to the Cunca Wulang Waterfall when several planks suddenly gave way.

“They were walking side by side and smiling at the camera,” the couple’s tour guide told local outlet Hey Bali News. “Suddenly, I heard a very loud sound of breaking wood, like a large branch falling.”

Within seconds, the bridge collapsed and the pair fell into a rocky river below, authorities said.

AGING INFRASTRUCTURE CONCERNS

The remote waterfall area, located about two hours from the tourist hub of Labuan Bajo near Komodo National Park, requires visitors to hike through dense jungle and cross the suspension bridge.

Photos circulating on social media showed large gaps in the damaged wooden structure.

Deadly accidents in remote parts of Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation with more than 280 million people, occur regularly and are often linked to aging infrastructure and difficult terrain that can hamper rescue operations.

The Cunca Wulang area remained closed to visitors Monday while authorities investigated the collapse.

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