A tragic accident struck an Islamic boarding school in Indonesia on Monday when a building under construction collapsed on dozens of students during afternoon prayers. At least one student has died, dozens were injured, and 65 students are feared buried under the rubble in Sidoarjo, East Java.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Police, soldiers, and rescue teams have been digging through the debris since the collapse, working through the night to save trapped students. Authorities have managed to pull eight injured survivors from the unstable building more than 12 hours after the incident.
Rescuers have also spotted additional bodies, signaling that the death toll may rise. Oxygen and water are being delivered to those still trapped as families anxiously wait outside the site.
Cause of Collapse
The building, part of the Al Khoziny Islamic Boarding School, was undergoing an unauthorized expansion when it suddenly gave way. Provincial police spokesperson Jules Abraham Abast said the students had been performing afternoon prayers in the multi-story structure when it collapsed on top of them.
Authorities are avoiding the use of heavy equipment at the site to prevent further risks while continuing to recover survivors and bodies.
Casualties and Injuries
- Confirmed dead: 1 student (13 years old)
- Injured: 99 students, some critically
- Missing: 65 students, mostly boys aged 12–17
Families continue to gather outside the school, and a command post has been set up to track the missing. Search and rescue operations remain ongoing as authorities prioritize safety amid the unstable rubble.
Community Reaction
The collapse has shaken the local community, highlighting concerns over construction safety and school regulations. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the unauthorized building expansion.
Conclusion
The Indonesia school collapse in Sidoarjo is a heartbreaking reminder of construction and safety risks. Rescue teams continue working tirelessly, hoping to recover the missing students while providing critical care for the injured.
