Two Foreign Nationals Killed by Falling Trees in Ubud’s Monkey Forest
Ubud, Bali – Tragedy struck at the popular Monkey Forest tourist site in Ubud on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, when strong winds and heavy rain caused several large trees to collapse, resulting in the deaths of two foreign tourists and injuries to another.
The incident, confirmed by Bali Police Public Relations Head Kombes Pol Jansen Avitus Panjaitan, occurred at approximately 12:25 PM local time. According to eyewitness I Nyoman Lilir, the weather suddenly turned stormy, with strong winds and rain sweeping through the area. Shortly afterward, the sound of trees breaking was heard, prompting alarm. Upon inspection, it was discovered that a banyan tree, a Pule tree, and a Kresek tree near the Prajapati Temple in the Monkey Forest had fallen eastward.
The area was crowded with tourists at the time. While many managed to escape, some were caught under the falling trees. Staff from the Monkey Forest, witnesses, and other tourists rushed to assist the victims, transporting them to Kenak Medika Hospital in Ubud via ambulance. Additional injured individuals were treated at the on-site clinic. The incident was promptly reported to the Ubud Police.
By 12:50 PM, Ubud Police Chief Kompol Gusti Nyoman Sudarsana and his team arrived at the scene to oversee rescue operations and clear debris.
The disaster claimed the lives of two women:
- FJC, a 32-year-old French national.
- KH, a 42-year-old South Korean national.
Additionally, a 43-year-old South Korean woman, identified as LS, sustained injuries.
All victims remain at Kenak Medika Hospital pending coordination with immigration authorities and their families. Authorities have called the incident an unfortunate natural disaster, emphasizing the unpredictable dangers posed by severe weather conditions in the region.
The Monkey Forest remains temporarily closed while authorities assess safety measures and conduct further investigations.
