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2 tourists killed in Bali, Indonesia after tree falls at Monkey Forest
The monkey sanctuary in Ubud will be closed until Dec. 12.
December 11, 2024, 06:40 PM
Two tourists in Bali have died on Dec. 10, 2024 after a tree fell on them at the Monkey Forest in Ubud.
According to Indonesia English-language news outlet Antara News, local police said the incident occurred at around 12:25pm (Bali time).
The two individuals have been identified as a 32-year-old French national and a 42-year-old South Korean national.
The monkey sanctuary is a popular tourist destination, allowing visitors to get up close with the monkeys in the area.
Another person injured, police investigations ongoing
A clip shared on Instagram showed a large tree collapsing in the sanctuary, shocking visitors in the vicinity.
Another video taken from what appears to be CCTV footage showed a group of people running away moments before the tree fell along a path.
Branches from the collapsed tree struck a few people who were attempting to flee, and scattered across the path.
According to Antara News, Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit of Gianyar Police, Adjunct Commissioner Gananta, confirmed that one more person was injured in the incident and was given medical attention at the sanctuary.
The two tourists who died were taken to Kenak Medikal Ubud Hospital.
The Gianyar Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) is currently assisting to clean up the site.
Police investigations are ongoing.
Members of the public are advised to remain vigilant and careful on account of the weather conditions in Bali, which are dominated by rain and strong winds.
Monkey sanctuary closed until Dec. 12
In a press release shared on Instagram on Dec. 11, Monkey Forest Ubud said that the sanctuary will be closed on Dec. 11 and 12.
It confirmed that the incident was due to a "sudden and strong gust of wind (which) caused a large branch from one of the trees in the forest to break (off) and fall".
Monkey Forest extended its condolences to affected individuals and their families, adding that its team had acted promptly to provide first aid on-site and to offer intensive support.
The sanctuary's management is also working closely with authorities to "ensure optimal care" for those affected
It added that Monkey Forest routinely carries out weekly and monthly maintenance and conservation work, including tree safety inspections.
Visitors have been advised to avoid entering the area during rainy weather.
"We remain committed to providing the best possible support to the victims, ensuring the safety of our visitors, and maintaining the harmonious balance of the natural environment within our sanctuary," Monkey Forest said.
Top photos via Bali.info.official/Instagram & Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary Ubud/Facebook
