Two tourists tragically lost their lives when a giant tree fell on them inside the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud, Bali on Tuesday, December 10. This incident happened around midday and in a rather stormy period and both the local community and international visitors are shocked.
Fatal Incident at Sacred Monkey Forest
The victims, identified as F. Justine Christine from France and Kim Hyoeun from South Korea, were both female. They were among a group of tourists visiting the Sacred Monkey Forest, a popular destination in Ubud, Bali. The park is known for its population of over 1,260 long-tailed macaques, who roam freely among visitors. Unfortunately, this popular attraction turned deadly as a tree came crashing down without warning, striking the tourists. While the two women were tragically killed, a few other individuals sustained minor injuries during the incident.
CCTV Footage Captures the Moment of Impact
The incident was captured on CCTV footage, which shows a group of visitors walking through the forest when they were suddenly alerted by a loud noise. Within moments, a tree fell directly across their path, blocking it and creating chaos and panic among the tourists. The authorities swiftly responded to the scene, and the affected area was evacuated for safety.
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Authorities Respond to the Emergency
Local police confirmed the accident occurred at 12:15 PM, coinciding with a sudden heavy rainstorm and strong winds across Ubud and the Sacred Monkey Forest. The stormy weather conditions were suspected to have contributed to the tragic accident. Kombes Pol Jansen Avitus Panjaitan, Head of Public Relations for Bali Regional Police, spoke to the media, stating that many tourists attempted to flee the area after the tree fell. However, some were unable to escape in time, resulting in the unfortunate deaths and injuries.
Sacred Monkey Forest Expresses Condolences
Following the incident, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, which manages the site, released a statement expressing their deepest condolences to the victims and their families. The statement also confirmed that the affected area was swiftly evacuated, and all necessary measures were taken to ensure the safety of other visitors. Authorities are working closely with the sanctuary to investigate the cause of the incident and prevent future occurrences. The sanctuary will remain closed on December 11 and 12 as a mark of respect and to allow authorities to conduct a thorough investigation.
A Popular Tourist Attraction
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, also known as the Ubud Monkey Forest, is a nature reserve and temple complex located in the heart of Ubud. It is one of Bali’s most visited tourist attractions, known for its serene beauty and sacred macaques. The forest serves as a significant cultural and religious site for the local community, attracting tourists from around the world.
This tragic incident has brought attention to the unpredictable dangers posed by extreme weather conditions, and it is a stark reminder of the importance of safety measures for both visitors and the local community during stormy conditions. Authorities continue to investigate the incident and provide support to the affected families.
