Disaster struck on Monday at Al Khoziny Islamic Boarding School in Sidoarjo district, East Java, when a building under unauthorized renovation gave way during afternoon prayers. The collapse has tragically claimed five lives so far, while 84 people remain trapped under unstable rubble.
“Today we evacuated seven students—five of them alive and two dead,” said Nanang Sigit, head of the East Java Search and Rescue Office. Rescue teams are racing against the clock ⏱️ to reach those still buried beneath the debris.
The ruins remain dangerously unstable, putting both survivors and rescuers at risk. Safety is paramount, and crews are working carefully to avoid further collapses.
Authorities are weighing whether to bring in heavy equipment. As Sigit explained, “If there are still many survivors, we will not use it. But if no more living victims are found, heavy machinery may be deployed.”
So far, hundreds of rescuers from various agencies have been mobilized at the site. The cause of the collapse is under investigation, and updates will be shared as more information emerges.
Our thoughts are with the students, staff, and families affected by this tragedy. Stay tuned for the latest developments as rescue operations continue 🙏
Reference(s):
Death toll from Indonesia school building collapse rises to 5
cgtn.com
