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By KYLIE STEVENS and LISA EDSER FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA
Published: | Updated:
Two women have been killed when a large tree fell on them at a popular tourist destination in Bali.
The horrifying incident happened at the Monkey Forest sanctuary in Ubud at about midday local time on Tuesday.
It’s understood a banyan tree, pule tree and kresek tree growing next to a temple collapsed as the result of strong winds and heavy rain.
The two female foreign nationals killed are believed to be a 32-year-old from France and a 42-year-old from South Korea.
A number of other tourists were also reportedly injured but local authorities are yet to confirm how many were hurt.
CCTV and footage showed terrified tourists running for their lives as a large tree came crashing down.
Some of those fleeing the danger were young families with strollers.
Another clip of the aftermath shows the path completely covered in debris while a third showed an injured victim receiving medical attention.
CCTV showed terrified tourists at the Monkey Forest sanctuary in Ubud running for their lives after a large tree came crashing down
A woman emerged unharmed (pictured) after the tree fell in the Monkey Forest sanctuary in Ubud that killed two tourists
There were reports that the loud cracking of branches made many tourists run to safety.
The sanctuary was quickly evacuated and will remain closed until at least Thursday.
Staff and tourists attempted to help the victims before emergency services arrived at the scene.
Monkey Forest general manager Wayan Lilir told police that ‘strong wind and heavy rain suddenly occurred’.
‘Not long after that, a sound like a tree was about to fall was heard,’ he said.
‘At that time, there were many tourists visiting and seeing this the tourists ran to save themselves, but there were several tourists who were hit by the tree.’
He added that the fallen tree had been in a healthy condition and that regular tree monitoring and pruning were conducted.
Staff and bystanders assisted a seriously injured South Korean woman, 43, who was then rushed to Kenak Medical Hospital.
Staff and police help an injured tourist after the tree collapse (pictured)
The trees at the sacred sanctuary collapsed due to strong winds and heavy rain
The tragedy claimed the lives of a French woman and a South Korean woman
Several tourists were treated at the Ubud Monkey Forest tourist clinic.
It’s unknown whether any Australians were among the injured.
Police have launched an investigation into the tragedy.
Ubud Police Chief Commissioner Gusti Nyoman Sudarsana said officers were investigating and coordinating with the South Korean and French consulates.
‘The investigation process is currently being handled by Ubud and Gianyar Police,’ Bali Police Senior Commissioner Jansen Avitus Panjaitan said.
‘The last few days the weather has been very extreme and unpredictable, rain accompanied by strong winds can come at any time and without any warning.’
Authorities were quick to arrive on the scene and evacuate the area so they could evaluate the incident (pictured)
A clean up of the fallen tree was undertaken by authorities (pictured)
A traditional cleansing ceremony will be held at an appropriate time to honor the incident and those who lost their lives.
The 12.5ha sanctuary is a popular tourist destination for travellers to interact with more than 1200 long-tailed macaques that call the forest home.
Visitors take a two hour trip by car from Kuta to the sacred site so they can get close to the monkeys who are known for their cheekiness.
The Monkey Forest is not far from the town of Ubud (pictured on Tuesday night)
