Catastrophe Worsens as Indonesia Educational Institution Structural Failure Death Toll Rises to 54
News Agency
The number of fatalities from the collapse of an Indonesian school has climbed to 54, according to authorities, with rescue teams still looking for more than a dozen unaccounted persons.
Numerous students, mostly teenage boys, had assembled for prayers at the Islamic boarding school in Eastern Java when the structure gave way while undergoing construction.
The country's emergency management authority characterizes this as the country's most fatal disaster this year. Emergency workers are anticipated to complete their rescue mission for 13 victims ensnared beneath the rubble by evening.
Probe Underway into Collapse Cause
Authorities are still examining the reason behind the structural failure. Some officials suggested the two-level structure collapsed due to an unstable foundation.
"Among all the catastrophes in 2025, natural or not, there has not occurred as many dead victims as the incident in Sidoarjo," stated a deputy from the disaster mitigation agency during a press conference.
The total count includes at least two people who were rescued from the debris but subsequently died in hospital.
Institutional Context and Oversight Issues
The facility is a traditional Islamic boarding school in Indonesia, referred to as a pesantren.
Numerous pesantren operate informally, without comprehensive oversight or regular inspections. It remains uncertain whether the school had proper authorization to undertake additional construction.
Operational Difficulties
Emergency response efforts have proven challenging due to the manner the structure collapsed, creating tight spaces for emergency personnel to operate within, authorities stated last week.
Eyewitness Reports
Survivors have recounted their terrifying survival stories with regional news outlets.
One 13-year-old survivor recalled first "hearing the noise of collapsing materials", which "grew louder and more intense".
The adolescent immediately ran for the exit, and while he successfully got out, he was injured by falling debris from the roof.
