Two Austrian tourists die in Cunca Wulang bridge collapse
Two Austrian visitors died when a suspension bridge collapsed at Cunca Wulang waterfall in West Manggarai on 24 May, leading to a closure and a police inquiry into safety oversight.
Editor: Mursyid Sonsang
· 2 min read
Labuan Bajo — Two Austrian tourists died after a suspension bridge collapsed at the Cunca Wulang waterfall site in West Manggarai regency on 24 May, prompting an official closure and a police investigation into safety management at the attraction.
The victims were identified by local authorities and multiple reports as Jurgen Perjul, 55, and Astrid Perjul, 57. They fell from the bridge at the popular inland destination near Labuan Bajo and died at the scene, according to local rescue and news reports.
Police and local officials examine safety lapses
West Manggarai police chief Christian Kadang said the bridge had suffered visible damage, with some planks broken or raised, and that officers were checking how the structure was maintained and whether negligence played a role, according to local reporting.
One report said the pair were warned about slippery paths before reaching the bridge, but the wooden planks gave way as they crossed. Police also gathered witness statements and examined whether the site had adequate warning signs, routine inspection procedures and staff safety training, according to the same reports.
The local tourism office said Cunca Wulang was closed temporarily after the accident. The closure was issued on police recommendation while investigators reviewed the site and the wider management system, including responsibilities for visitor safety.
Questions over site management
Officials said the review would not be limited to the collapsed bridge itself. It was also expected to examine how the attraction was operated, who was responsible for upkeep and whether the safety arrangements matched the number of visitors using the site.
The attraction is a well-known inland stop for visitors to Labuan Bajo, with access involving a drive followed by a walk through forest terrain to reach the waterfall area and pools below.
The deaths have added pressure on local authorities to reassess safety standards at smaller tourism sites beyond the marine attractions that dominate the Labuan Bajo market. For now, Cunca Wulang remains closed while the investigation continues.
Sources
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