Chinese tourist killed when tree topples onto jungle suspension bridge in Thailand

A Chinese tourist was killed and her husband injured when a huge tree toppled onto a suspension bridge they were crossing in Thailand.

Jing Chen, 44, and her spouse Liu Yang, 46, were returning from a zipline platform to the reception area after riding a jungle zipline ride in Chiang Mai province on August 1.

However, a large tree suddenly collapsed onto the bridge they were crossing, plunging them 50 feet down to the forest floor.

Rescue teams rushed the couple to the Doi Saket Hospital, but Jing Chen died from severe injuries in transit.

Liu Yang suffered leg and arm fractures and was later shifted to the Chiang Mai Ram Hospital for further treatment.

Police Major General Pongsiam Meekanthong, deputy commissioner of the Tourist Police, and police executives visited the tourist to inquire about details of the incident.

Authorities believe recent rains had loosened the earth, causing the tree to be uprooted.

The victims were reported to have accident insurance with Jungle Flight Company Limited. They were covered for 500,000 baht for injuries and one million baht for death.

Tourist Assistance Centre staff said they will assist in collecting the payments for the hospital treatment.

Police Major General Pongsiam said: 'We will take measures to warn tourists about the natural risks at tourist attractions during the rainy season, such as flash floods, landslides, and fallen trees. 

'The couple's son who came with them to Thailand will be cared for by a volunteer named Suchart until his father is discharged from the hospital.'

Thailand and neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia are in their annual monsoon rainy season which sees soaring temperatures followed by powerful rain storms in the afternoon leading to widespread flash floods.