Tree Falls Due to Strong Winds... Korean and French Tourists Die in Bali's 'Wonsungi Sup'

Bali Ubud Area's Iconic Tourist Spot 'Monkey Forest'
Strong Winds Knock Down Tree, Killing Korean and French Tourists

In a tourist area of Bali, Indonesia, a large tree fell due to strong winds, resulting in the deaths of two people, including Korean tourists.

According to CNN Indonesia and others on the 11th (local time), a large banyan tree fell on the afternoon of the previous day along the walking path of the 'Monkey Forest' in Ubud, Bali, a representative tourist spot, due to strong winds, hitting tourists. The Monkey Forest is a tourist destination where visitors can stroll through a densely wooded forest and see long-tailed macaques, and it is especially popular among foreign tourists.

Monkey Forest. Yonhap News

The injured tourists were transported to the hospital, but two people, including a 42-year-old Korean female tourist and a 32-year-old French female tourist, ultimately died. Additionally, a 43-year-old Korean female tourist was injured and is receiving treatment at a nearby hospital.

Videos believed to show the situation at the time of the accident were also posted on social media (SNS). The footage captured a large tree falling toward people. Tourists screamed and ran away to avoid the tree.

Local media reported that several trees fell in the Monkey Forest due to strong winds, and pointed out that trees with weakened roots during the rainy season should have been preemptively cut down to prevent accidents. The Monkey Forest management expressed deep regret over the tree falling due to strong winds in an official statement.

Tourists fleeing from trees toppled by strong winds. SNS

A Bali police spokesperson said, "Many tourists were visiting and sightseeing in the Monkey Forest," adding, "At the time of the accident, they tried to escape from the tree, but some tourists could not." Gusti Nyoman Sudarsana, chief of the Ubud Police Station, said they are cooperating with the Korean and French consulates to inform the victims' families of the accident.

The Korean Consulate in Bali, Republic of Korea Embassy in Indonesia, informed the victims' families of the accident and said that after the bereaved families arrive in Bali, they will discuss funeral procedures. The Bali consulate also advised caution around forest paths and large trees due to ongoing flood and landslide damage as the rainy season has fully begun in Indonesia, and urged people to avoid flooded areas.

Meanwhile, the Monkey Forest announced a temporary suspension of operations and said that notices regarding reopening will be announced later.