Indonesia School Collapse: Death Toll Rises as Rescue Efforts Continue at Al Khoziny Islamic School
Rescuers are continuing their search for survivors at the Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school in Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia, after a devastating collapse on Monday. As of Friday, the death toll has risen to nine, with dozens still feared trapped under the rubble. The incident occurred during afternoon prayers when the building's foundations, weakened by ongoing construction, gave way.
The Aftermath and Rescue Operations
More than ten ambulances lined up near the collapsed school as rescue teams worked tirelessly to locate and extract the trapped students. The students, mostly teenage boys aged 13 to 19, were attending prayers when the building suddenly collapsed. A crane was deployed to help excavate the debris. Rescue efforts were briefly suspended due to concerns about further collapses, but resumed later in the day. Rescuers used sensors and called out the boys' names, but initially found no signs of life.
Indonesia's disaster officials confirmed that five deaths had been confirmed by late Thursday, and 30 people were receiving hospital treatment. Rescue workers faced challenging conditions, including unstable parts of the building and heavy slabs of concrete. They provided oxygen and water to those trapped while carefully working to extricate them.
Details Surrounding the Collapse
Initial reports indicate that the collapse occurred due to unauthorized construction work. According to provincial police spokesperson Jules Abraham Abast, the two-story prayer hall was undergoing an expansion to add two more floors without a permit. “The old building’s foundation was apparently unable to support two floors of concrete and collapsed during the pouring process,” he stated.
- The collapse occurred during afternoon prayers.
- Ongoing construction work without a permit is suspected to be the cause.
- The school is Al Khoziny Islamic Boarding School, a pesantren.
Reactions and Response
Families of the students gathered near the site, anxiously awaiting news. The scene was filled with grief as parents learned of their children's fate. Rescue workers, police, and soldiers worked through the night to find survivors. The search and rescue effort involved several hundred personnel equipped with breathing apparatus, extrication tools, and medical support equipment.
| Location | Details |
|---|---|
| Indonesia | World's largest Muslim-majority nation |
| Pesantren (Islamic Boarding Schools) | Approximately 42,000 serving 7 million students |
The investigation into the collapse is ongoing. The incident highlights the importance of adhering to building regulations and ensuring structural integrity, especially in densely populated areas with ongoing construction. The focus remains on recovering those still trapped and providing support to the victims and their families.
