Cunca Bridge in Labuan Bajo Collapses, Two Austrian Tourists Killed
A wooden suspension bridge at the Cunca Wulang waterfall tourist area in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), collapsed on Sunday (24 May), resulting in the deaths of two Austrian tourists.
Police and local government authorities swiftly responded to the fatal incident, immediately closing the Cunca Bridge to visitors following the accident. The victims, identified as a married couple named Jurgen (54) and Astrid (56), arrived at the site around 9:20 AM WITA. After completing administrative procedures, they walked with a local tour guide. At approximately 10 metres above the river, the couple requested the guide to record their moment together. However, after walking about 10 metres, a loud cracking sound was heard as the wooden structure collapsed. Both fell onto rocks at the riverbed and died instantly.
Manggarai Barat Police Chief AKBP Christian Kadang stated that authorities are taking the safety of tourists seriously. The Inafis team has conducted a thorough crime scene investigation to assess the technical feasibility of the structure, material condition, and maintenance. The site manager will be summoned to provide statements regarding standard operating procedures and facility maintenance to investigate potential negligence under Article 359 of the Criminal Code.
“We secured the crime scene and set up police tape from the outset to preserve evidence integrity. The tourist site has been recommended for full temporary closure until the investigation concludes,” Kadang said in a statement on Sunday (24 May).
Meanwhile, Manggarai Barat Deputy Regent Yulianus Weng confirmed that the facilities at the site are owned by the local government. He stated that upon receiving the report, coordination with police, SAR, immigration, and hospitals was immediately initiated to expedite assistance.
“Upon receiving the report, we immediately coordinated all parties for first aid. Our current priority is handling the remains, administrative procedures, and transporting the victims to the hospital. Matters regarding the bridge’s construction date or technical details will be addressed later,” Weng said.
Despite the current focus on victim handling, the government has pledged to conduct a comprehensive review to ensure future safety at the tourist destination.
“We will ensure a thorough evaluation. The principle is simple: we do not want a similar incident to occur again,” he added.
Regarding administrative and travel matters, Head of Labuan Bajo Class II Immigration Office Charles Christian Mathaus confirmed the victims entered Indonesia on 14 May via Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali using a Visa on Arrival for tourism purposes. Based on data and matching surnames, they were confirmed as a married couple staying at a local accommodation in Labuan Bajo.
Immigration authorities are currently preparing formal documentation for the repatriation of the remains and are coordinating with the Directorate General of Immigration, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Austrian Embassy in Jakarta. As the incident occurred on a holiday, further communication with the victims’ families and foreign representatives will be intensified during working days.
“We have contacted the central office and foreign representatives. A formal notification will be issued to the relevant embassy regarding the incident involving their nationals. Repatriation will be facilitated as swiftly as possible following procedures,” Charles told journalists in Labuan Bajo.
The victims’ remains are currently at RSUD Komodo Labuan Bajo for medical examination and documentation preparation before repatriation to Austria.