Austrian Couple Killed as Bridge Collapses at Cunca Wulang Waterfall in Labuan Bajo
Two Austrian tourists died after falling from a suspension bridge at the Cunca Wulang Waterfall tourist area in West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Police later revealed the collapsed bridge was in severe disrepair, with rotten support beams and nearly all safety nets missing.
The victims were identified as married couple Jurgen Perjul (55) and Astrid Perjul (57). They fell when the 20-metre-high suspension bridge collapsed while they were crossing it.
“Both victims were identified as an Austrian couple enjoying their holiday at the Cunca Wulang waterfall area,” said West Manggarai Police Chief AKBP Christian Kadang on Monday (25 May 2026).
Based on initial crime scene investigation, the fatal incident occurred when the two victims crossed a wooden-plank suspension bridge. The bridge floor suddenly gave way, causing them to fall freely and hit the riverbed rocks below.
“Police found a 1.20-metre gap in the broken bridge floor,” Christian said.
Bridge in Severe Disrepair
Christian explained that physical investigations revealed the safety nets on both sides of the bridge were damaged and missing up to 90 per cent. Additionally, the bridge’s support beams were found rotten from age. Most of the walking planks were loose, lifted, or detached from the structure.
“Initial examinations showed parts of the bridge planks were loose and lifted,” Christian said.
“Furthermore, there were no written standard operating procedures for routine bridge inspections or adequate tourist safety systems,” he added.
Before the incident, local guides had warned the victims about slippery trekking paths due to weather conditions.
“However, the bridge’s unsuitable condition was the decisive factor in the planks collapsing, causing the victims to fall into the riverbed,” Christian said.
In addition to the absence of danger warning signs at vulnerable points, the Cunca Wulang Waterfall management did not provide accident insurance for tourists.
Police Interview Five Witnesses
West Manggarai Police Criminal Investigation Unit has interviewed five key witnesses regarding the tragedy that killed the two foreign tourists. They include the head of Cunca Wulang Village as the local authority, ticket booth staff, local tour guides who accompanied the victims, the victims’ rental car driver, and the Bhabinkamtibmas officer who first secured the scene post-incident.
Christian emphasised the investigation would be transparent to provide legal certainty and serve as a comprehensive review for Labuan Bajo’s tourism sector, which is a super-priority destination.
“We will examine all aspects, including tourist safety standards, facility management responsibilities, and possible negligence. All will be processed according to applicable laws,” Christian said.
The victims’ bodies are still held at the morgue of Komodo Regional Hospital in Labuan Bajo. Police are coordinating with the Austrian Embassy in Jakarta for repatriation to their home country.
Internal sources at West Manggarai Police confirmed the tourists’ bodies are scheduled for departure to Austria on Tuesday (26 May).
“The repatriation is planned for tomorrow,” said a source within West Manggarai Police.
Cunca Wulang Waterfall is one of Labuan Bajo’s premier tourist destinations, approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Labuan Bajo. The site is managed by the West Manggarai Tourism, Creative Economy, and Culture Office.