In a tragic event at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud, Bali, two tourists lost their lives when a large tree fell unexpectedly on Tuesday afternoon. The incident, which occurred around 12:25 PM local time, also left a third individual injured. The renowned sanctuary, a major attraction in Bali’s Gianyar district, was temporarily closed following the accident to allow for an investigation into the cause.
The Incident
According to initial reports from sanctuary officials, a strong gust of wind is believed to have caused the tree’s sudden collapse. The fallen tree struck three tourists, resulting in the fatalities of Funny Justine Christine, a 32-year-old from France, and Kim Hyoeun, a 42-year-old from South Korea. A third tourist, Lee Sunni, also from South Korea, was injured in the incident but received treatment at the Monkey Forest Ubud clinic.
Gianyar Police confirmed the deaths and the injury, with Adjunct Commissioner Gananta of the Criminal Investigation Unit stating that authorities were actively investigating the cause of the incident. “Two people have died and one has been injured,” he confirmed. Authorities have not ruled out adverse weather conditions as a contributing factor.
Response and Safety Measures
In the wake of the tragic accident, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary was temporarily closed to allow officials to inspect the site and ensure the safety of future visitors. The Gianyar Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) is working closely with local authorities to secure the area and prevent further incidents.
Senior Commissioner Jansen Avitus Panjaitan of Bali Police issued a statement urging both locals and tourists to exercise caution during adverse weather conditions. He recommended avoiding travel during heavy rain and taking shelter in safe locations when necessary. His warning highlights the risks posed by the rainy season, which is expected to continue through late January 2025, potentially bringing further storms and hydrometeorological hazards to the region.
Local Weather Conditions
The Bali Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has issued warnings for several districts in Bali, alerting residents and visitors to the possibility of hydrometeorological disasters. The agency predicts that the wet season will bring heavier rains, increasing the likelihood of accidents linked to storms, flooding, and landslides.
Conclusion
This tragic incident at Bali’s Monkey Forest serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of extreme weather and the potential risks posed to tourists and locals alike. While the cause of the tree’s collapse is still under investigation, the authorities’ swift action to ensure public safety and their warnings about adverse weather conditions underscore the importance of vigilance during the rainy season. The deaths of the two tourists are a profound loss, and their families, as well as the broader community, are deeply affected by the incident.
