Two tourists have been killed by a falling tree in Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest in Bali.
The two tourists, one from France and one from South Korea were crushed as a tree fell over a walking path in the middle of the forest. A third tourist has also been taken to hospital for treatment for their injuries.
Terrifying footage has emerged online of the moment the tree fell over the walkway on the afternoon of Tuesday, 10th December.
The tourists killed in the incident are known to the media by their Unitas FJC, aged 32, from France, and KH, aged 42, from South Korea.
The third tourist, LS, age 43, from South Korea, has been taken to a local hospital for treatment.
The Head of Public Relations of Bali Regional Police Kombes Pol Jansen Avitus Panjaitan confirmed the incident with the media on Tuesday afternoon.
He confirmed that the incident took place at 12:15 p.m. local time and that a sudden heavy rain storm accompanied by strong winds swept across central Ubud and the Sacred Monkey Forest.
Three fallen trees in the area has already been reported and were being tended to by staff from the Ubud Scared Monkey Forest, a banyan tree, a pule tree and a crackle tree in the Pura Prajapati area of the attraction.
Panjaitan explained, “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 added, “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.”
Footage circulating online shows the tree falling from a series of different angles. In the footage, the sudden cracking of the tree can be heard, followed by frantic screams from visitors who ran in any direction they could to escape the tree, which fell to the ground in a matter of seconds.
In an official statement issued by Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, the team expressed its deepest condolences to those affected by Tuesday’s tragedy.
The statement explains, “With deep regret that a tree fell due to strong winds in the Monkey Forest Ubud area.”
“We would like to emphasize 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 statement concludes, “We deeply appreciate everyone’s understanding and support at this difficult time.”
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary have also issued a separate statement to confirm that the attraction will remain closed on Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th December and a further update regarding re-opening will be published in due course.
Falling trees are one of the most commonly reported disasters during the rainy season in Bali. Falling trees are a huge danger for drivers, especially moped and motorcycle drivers traveling through forested or jungle areas.
Though, oftentimes, it is old trees that are standing alone that are the ones to fall, like those standing on street corners or outside temples. Tourists should be extra mindful of their surroundings throughout the rainy seasons, where flooding, falling trees, and landslides can happen in the blink of an eye.
Tourists should be prepared for every weather eventuality and ensure that their travel insurance policy includes comprehensive cover in the instance of natural disaster.
The latest weather forecast and weather warning updates can be found on the Bali Center for Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency Instagram page and The Bali Sun will report on major weather warnings as part of our daily news coverage.
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