Bali tourists killed in freak accident
Two tourists have died and a third has been injured after a freak tree fall at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud on Tuesday.
The terrifying moment was caught on camera, with video footage showing the tree trunk unexpectedly snapping and crashing across the footpath in the popular tourist attraction.
It also knocked over huge Balinese stone statues and at least a dozen people were seen running away from the spot, and they can be heard yelling "what the f---" and "help".
Police said two women, reportedly from France, age 32, and South Korea, age 42, were killed in the freak accident.
A third person, another South Korean woman was being treated in the Kenak Medika Hospital.
Bali Regional Police spokesperson Kombes Pol Jansen Avitus Panjaitan told local media that sudden heavy rain and strong winds swept across the area and staff were cleaning up the mess of other trees that had fallen when the fourth 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 told 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.”
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary also released 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,” they said.
“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.
The protected jungle area is a popular destination among both tourists and residents who often go there to take their wedding photos.
Australians make up a large amount of the tourist numbers in Bali, with 155,143 Aussies heading there in July.
Image: Instagram