The two Austrian citizens fell from a suspension bridge that leads through the jungle towards a well-known tourist attraction. Photo: X screen capture
A married couple fell from a suspension bridge into the deep, the accident was fatal for them
An Austrian couple died in an accident that happened on the Indonesian island of Flores. While visiting the popular Cunca Wulang waterfall, the suspension bridge gave way below them.
The two Austrian citizens fell from a suspension bridge that leads through the jungle towards a well-known tourist attraction after the structure suddenly collapsed, reports the Austrian portal Krone.at.
According to local media, the bridge gave way in just a few seconds. Photos from the scene of the accident show broken wooden planks, and a guide accompanying the couple explained that the couple were walking side by side at the time and taking photos. “Suddenly I heard a loud sound of cracking wood, like a big branch breaking. The bridge caved in right after,” the guide told reporters.
The two Austrian tourists fell from a height of about 20 meters into the river under the bridge. Local rescuers confirmed that the bodies of a 55-year-old man and a 57-year-old woman were pulled from the water on Sunday.
A popular but dangerous spot
The island of Flores lies east of Bali and is known for its volcanic landscapes, diving destinations and proximity to Komodo National Park, home to the famous Komodo dragons.
It takes about half an hour to walk through the jungle to reach the Cunca Wulang waterfall, and visitors have to cross a suspension bridge about 50 meters long. The waterfall itself lies in a narrow canyon, which many compare to a miniature version of the American Grand Canyon. The location is particularly popular among tourists because of the turquoise water and the possibility of cliff jumping.
Unfortunately, fatal accidents at remote natural attractions in Indonesia are not uncommon. Hard-to-reach terrain, dilapidated infrastructure and demanding rescue operations often make the situation even more difficult.
Late last year, a boat carrying a Spanish family sank near the island of Flores, killing four people, and last summer a Brazilian tourist died after falling on the Rinjani volcano on the island of Lombok.
