Labuan Bajo suspension bridge collapse kills two Austrian tourists

Two Austrian tourists died after falling from a collapsed suspension bridge at Cunca Wulang tourist site in Mbeliling subdistrict, Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on Sunday, 25 May 2026. The victims, identified as Jurgen (55, male) and Astrid (57, female), fell into the river when the structure gave way around 11:30 AM WITA, requiring SAR assistance.

According to SAR reports, Manggarai Barat SAR Station deployed five rescue personnel to the scene at 12:45 PM WITA, arriving at approximately 1:15 PM WITA. After coordinating with relevant authorities, a joint SAR team proceeded to the riverbed to carry out the evacuation. The victims were transported by ambulance to Komodo Regional Hospital, arriving at 3:33 PM WITA after being evacuated at 2:35 PM WITA.

“The victims were successfully evacuated by the joint SAR team and transported by ambulance to Komodo Regional Hospital,” said Maumere SAR Office Chief Fathur Rahman, contacted from Kupang on Sunday evening.

Rahman added that the SAR team retrieved the victims from the riverbed before transporting them to the hospital for identification. Despite clear weather conditions during the operation, communication network issues were encountered. “With the victims evacuated, the SAR operation has been concluded and proposed for closure,” he stated.

The operation involved personnel from Manggarai Barat SAR Station, West Manggarai Police Resort, Samanggoang Police Station, West Manggarai Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Beliling Babinsa, Satpol PP, Tourism Department, district and village governments, and local communities. The team deployed one personnel truck, medical equipment, evacuation gear, and two Komodo Regional Hospital ambulances.