Death Toll From Tree Collapse at Bogor Gardens Hits 7

Jakarta Globe, Vento Saudale, Jan 19, 2015

Seven people have died so far after a tree collapsed at Bogor Botanical
Gardens earlier this month. (Antara Photo/Jafkhairi)

Jakarta. A tree that collapsed at the renowned Bogor Botanical Gardens has claimed another life, bringing the death toll to seven.

Nur Ali, 52, from Cibinong in Bogor, died from injuries to his head and stomach on Saturday morning after seven days of intensive care, a spokesman for Bogor Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) Hospital said on Monday.

A total of 25 people were injured when the agathis tree collapsed on a group of people about 10 a.m. on January 11.

Bogor Police have questioned two surviving witnesses, a staff member from the gardens and asked tree experts from Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) for help in determining the cause of the accident.

Adj. Comr. Auliya R. Djabar, a spokesman for Bogor Police, said after examining the tree it appeared to be old and “not in a good condition.”

Four other agathis trees of similar age and condition have been cut down at the gardens since the accident.