Two Austrian Tourists Die After Labuan Bajo Bridge Collapse

Labuan Bajo — Two Austrian tourists died after a suspension bridge collapsed near Cunca Wulang waterfall in West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, on 24 May 2026, according to Indonesian media reports and police statements cited in those reports.

The victims were identified as a 55-year-old man and a 57-year-old woman, and local officials said they fell about 10 to 20 metres after the bridge gave way while they were crossing it, according to reports by Detik and Floresa. Rescue authorities later recovered the bodies from below the bridge, while Austrian officials also confirmed the deaths, according to Krone and Spiegel.

Police quoted in local media said the wooden bridge was in poor condition, with damaged planks and broken safety nets, and that investigators were examining possible negligence by site managers. The Cunca Wulang tourism site was temporarily closed after the accident, according to local reporting.

What authorities said

West Manggarai police chief Christian Kadang told local media that officers were investigating the bridge’s condition and the safety management at the site. The reports said investigators found rotten wooden supports and heavily damaged or missing safety nets.

Other local reports said the tourists were a married couple from Austria and that they had been visiting the popular waterfall destination when the bridge collapsed. The deaths were reported on 25 May 2026 in Indonesian and international coverage, though the accident itself occurred on 24 May 2026.

Tourism safety questions

The case has drawn attention to safety standards at tourist sites in Labuan Bajo, a major gateway for visitors to western Flores. Reports said police were checking whether standard operating procedures, signage, maintenance and staff training were adequate at the site.

In the aftermath, local authorities ordered the attraction closed while the investigation continued. The incident has also prompted scrutiny of the site’s management and maintenance practices.

Labuan Bajo remains one of Indonesia’s busiest tourism hubs, but the fatal bridge collapse has raised fresh concern about visitor safety at adventure and nature attractions outside the main harbour area.

Sources

• Detik Bali
• Krone
• Floresa
• Newswav
• Indonesia Expat