Police Investigate Safety Failures Behind Austrian Couple's Fatal Bridge Collapse in Labuan Bajo
Police investigations have revealed the alarming condition of a suspension bridge at the Cunca Wulang waterfall tourist site in Manggarai Barat, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), which collapsed and killed two Austrian tourists. The bridge structure was deemed unfit for use, with unstable and lifted walkway planks, rotting support beams, and nearly complete loss of safety nets.
The victims were identified as Austrian couple Jurgen Perjul, 55, and Astrid Perjul, 57, who died after falling approximately 20 metres from the suspension bridge while touring the area.
“Both victims were identified as an Austrian couple enjoying their holiday at the Cunca Wulang waterfall area,” said Manggarai Barat Police Chief Christian Kadang on Monday (25/5/2026).
Bridge Severely Damaged
Initial crime scene analysis revealed a 1.2-metre-wide gap in the collapsed bridge floor.
“Police found a gaping hole measuring 1.2 metres in the broken bridge floor,” he added.
Physical investigations also found that the safety nets on both sides of the bridge were damaged and missing up to 90 per cent.
Furthermore, the bridge’s support beams were found to be rotten due to age. Most of the walkway planks were unstable, lifted, or completely detached from their frames.
“Initial examinations revealed parts of the bridge’s planks were loose and raised,” Christian said.
“Moreover, there were no written standard operating procedures for routine bridge inspections or adequate tourist safety systems,” he added.
In addition to the lack of safety measures, police discovered no warning signs at hazardous points. The Cunca Wulang waterfall tourism management was also reported to have not provided accident insurance facilities for tourists.
Walkway Collapsed as Victims Crossed
The fatal incident occurred when Jurgen and Astrid arrived at the Cunca Wulang waterfall tourist site around 9:20 AM WITA. They were accompanied by their private driver, Julius Mam, 45, registered at the ticket booth, and then began trekking to the waterfall with tour guide Muhammad Muhardin, 30.
Upon reaching the wooden suspension bridge over the rocky river, they asked Muhardin to record their crossing. “They walked side by side, smiling warmly at the camera. They asked me, ‘Please film us from behind as we cross this bridge’”, Muhardin recalled in Labuan Bajo.
After walking approximately 10 metres, the wooden structure supporting their feet suddenly snapped. The bridge collapsed, causing them to fall freely and hit large rocks at the riverbed. “Suddenly, there was a loud cracking sound like a large tree branch falling. Within seconds, the bridge completely collapsed,” Muhardin said. “I saw them fall freely and hit the large river rocks at the bottom of the gorge,” he added.
Bridge Already Unfit for Use
Christian said local guides had previously warned the victims about slippery trekking paths due to weather. However, preliminary investigations indicated the primary cause was the bridge’s deteriorated condition. “The bridge’s unsuitable condition was the decisive factor in the collapse that led to the victims falling to the riverbed,” Christian stated.
Manggarai Barat Police Criminal Investigation Unit has questioned five key witnesses: the head of Cunca Wulang village, ticket booth officials, local tour guides accompanying the victims, the victims’ hired driver, and the Bhabinkamtibmas member who first secured the scene. Christian stressed the investigation is being conducted transparently to examine tourist safety standards, facility management responsibilities, and possible negligence. “We will thoroughly investigate all aspects, including tourist safety standards, facility management responsibilities, and potential negligence. All will be processed according to applicable laws,” he added.
Destination Management Under Scrutiny
The case has also drawn attention from Asita Manggarai Raya. Sebastian Pandang, Chairman of Asita Manggarai Raya’s DPC, criticised management for not regularly maintaining the bridge infrastructure. “As businesses selling destinations, including Cunca Wulang, we are concerned that the management – first, the regency government – has not regularly maintained infrastructure and facilities, particularly the bridge,” Sebastian said in Labuan Bajo on Monday (25/5/2026). “Furthermore, the Cunca Wulang Pokdarwis group, which manages the destination, has neglected the deteriorated and damaged bridge conditions, leading to this unforeseen incident,” he added. He urged the Manggarai Barat Regency Government to immediately repair tourism infrastructure to prevent recurrence.
Police Chief Warns Against Sharing Images
During the investigation, Christian urged the public to stop sharing photos or videos of the deceased Austrian tourists following their fall from the suspension bridge. “We strongly urge all members of the public, whether in Manggarai Barat or social media users anywhere, to immediately cease sharing images or videos of the victims that are unsuitable for public consumption,” Christian stated in a statement on Sunday (24/5/2026) evening. He emphasised that distributing vulgar and tragic visual content of victims is not only an ethical breach but also potentially criminal. “Remember, there are real legal consequences. Distributing content that violates decency, privacy, or inappropriately exploits the victims’ condition can be prosecuted under the ITE Law. Do not let the initial intention to inform end up in a criminal act.”