Bali tourists killed in freak accident at popular attraction
Two tourists have been crushed to death in a freak tree fall at a popular Bali monkey attraction.
The terrifying moment was caught on camera as many visitors roamed the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud on Tuesday.
The footage shows a huge tree trunk unexpectedly snapping in mere seconds and crashing across a walking path in the middle of the forest.
It causes a mass of thick branches to thud down, also knocking over huge Balinese stone statues.
Frightened tourists can be seen screaming and scrambling for their lives as the tragedy unfolds in moments.
The tourists killed were reportedly from France, age 32, and South Korea, age 42.
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A third tourist was taken to hospital with injuries. It’s not known if any Australians were hurt.
Australian travellers are the main tourist nationality in Bali, with 155,143 Aussies heading there in July.
Ubud is a tourist town in the uplands of Bali, nestled in rice terraces and known for traditional handicrafts and dance.
The Monkey Forest is one of the main attractions in its centre.
Bali Regional Police spokesperson Kombes Pol Jansen Avitus Panjaitan told local media a sudden heavy rain storm and strong winds swept across the area.
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Staff were clearing up after three trees fell earlier when the next one came down.
“At that time, there were many tourists visiting and seeing it, then the tourists ran around to save themselves, but there were some tourists who were hit by trees,” he said in The Bali Sun.
“For the victims who died or were injured, they are still entrusted and treated at the Ubud Kenak Medika Hospital while waiting for the results of coordination with the Immigration and the victim’s family.”
Long-tailed macaques live in the Monkey Forest. Photo: Supplied
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary posted a statement explaining that the tree was not old.
“With deep regret that a tree fell due to strong winds in the Monkey Forest Ubud area,” said the post.
“We would like to emphasise that the fallen tree was in healthy condition.
“We regularly conduct tree monitoring and pruning as part of our commitment to the safety of visitors, staff, and wildlife in the Monkey Forest Ubud.
“However, this incident was caused by strong winds and extreme weather conditions beyond human control.
“We are working closely with authorities to address the situation thoroughly.”
The forest will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday until a further update.
Tourists have been warned that falling trees are one of the most commonly reported incidents during Bali’s wet season.
