Asia02 October, 20252 min read
Indonesian School Collapse Kills 5, Leaves 59 Missing Under Rubble
Al Khoziny Islamic Boarding School collapsed during unauthorized expansion adding two floors. At least five students died, around 59 remain missing under rubble after collapse.
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Building Collapse at Boarding School
A tragic incident occurred at the Al Khoziny Islamic Boarding School in Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia, where a building collapse during afternoon prayers resulted in at least five confirmed deaths and left 59 people missing under the rubble. The collapse happened while the building was undergoing unauthorized construction to add two additional floors to the existing two-story structure. The foundation was unable to support the extra weight, leading to the disaster.
“Rescue efforts continue at a collapsed building where mostly male students aged 12 to 19 are missing, with five confirmed dead and over two dozen injured.”
Rescue teams, including police and soldiers, have been working tirelessly to locate survivors, using thermal-sensing drones and other high-tech equipment to navigate the unstable debris. The operation is complicated by the narrow access tunnels and the risk of further collapse, prompting rescuers to proceed with extreme caution.
Rescue Efforts After Collapse
The rescue operation has been a race against time, as the critical 72-hour survival window for those trapped under the rubble has ended. Nearly 220 workers, including ambulances, are on site, but the chances of finding more survivors are diminishing.
Families of the missing students have agreed to the use of heavy equipment, although rescuers are proceeding with extreme caution to avoid further destabilizing the structure. The use of heavy machinery marks a shift from manual searches to more aggressive debris removal methods, as no new signs of life have been detected despite thermal scans.
Building Safety Concerns in Indonesia
The collapse has raised serious concerns about building safety standards in Indonesia, particularly regarding unauthorized construction. The building was undergoing an expansion without proper permits, adding two floors to the existing structure, which the foundation could not support.
“A building collapse occurred at the Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school in Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia, when two unauthorized additional floors were being added to an old two-storey prayer hall.”
This incident has sparked a broader discussion on the need for stricter regulations and enforcement to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the collapse, focusing on the construction practices and the lack of safety permits.
Impact of Student Collapse
The emotional toll on the families of the missing students is immense as they anxiously await news at hospitals and the site of the collapse. Many parents have expressed frustration and desperation, urging for faster rescue efforts.
The community has come together to support the affected families, with residents near the school offering shelter and assistance. The tragedy has highlighted the vulnerability of students in such institutions and the urgent need for improved safety measures.
