Makassar (ANTARA) - Nine people were killed on Sunday as a tree fell on them during a downpour at Petta Bulu Matanre tourism site in Soppeng District, South Sulawesi. 

According to Soppeng Police Chief Adjunct Senior Commissioner Yusuf Usman, the accident occurred amid heavy rain and strong winds, causing a large tree to collapse onto lodges where the victims had sought shelter.

"There are nine fatalities and eight injuries," Usman stated in his written statement received here on Sunday.

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He identified the deceased as Wa Menreng, Agus, Yangke, S.T. Rabiah, Karyati, Rosmini, Mannuri Lesu Ikada, Nurtasia, and Asse. Their coffins have been handed over to their families for burial. 

Meanwhile, the eight injured visitors were evacuated to Soppeng's regional general hospital for medical treatment. The police have secured the accident site and established a police line there, Usman added.

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According to the Tourism Ministry's tourism village database, Petta Bulu Matanre site is a local nature and cultural tourist spot in Mattabulu Village, Soppeng District, South Sulawesi.

One of its main attractions is the grave of the revered Syaikh Abdul Majid, also known as Petta Bulu Matanre, who is believed to have been a local king in ancient times.