Catastrophe Deepens as Indonesian School Collapse Death Toll Rises to 54
Media Source
The death count from the structural failure of an educational facility in Indonesia has climbed to 54, as confirmed by officials, with rescue teams continuing their search for over twelve unaccounted persons.
Hundreds students, mostly adolescent males, had gathered for prayers at the religious educational institution in East Java when the structure gave way while being renovated.
Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency characterizes this as the country's most fatal catastrophe this year. Rescue personnel are anticipated to complete their search operation for thirteen individuals trapped under debris by evening.
Investigation Underway into Collapse Cause
Investigators are still examining the reason behind the collapse. Certain authorities suggested the two-level structure caved in due to an inadequate base.
"Among all the catastrophes in 2025, natural or not, there has not occurred as many dead victims as the incident in Sidoarjo," stated a representative from the disaster mitigation agency during a press conference.
The overall number encompasses at least two individuals who were extracted from the debris but later died in hospital.
Institutional Context and Oversight Issues
The institution is a traditional Islamic boarding school in Indonesia, commonly known as a pesantren.
Numerous pesantren function informally, without comprehensive oversight or regular inspections. It remains uncertain whether the institution had proper authorization to conduct building modifications.
Rescue Challenges
Search and rescue operations have faced difficulties due to the way the building fell, leaving only narrow voids for emergency personnel to operate within, officials stated last week.
Eyewitness Reports
Survivors have recounted their terrifying survival stories with local media.
One 13-year-old survivor recalled first "noticing the sound of falling rocks", which "grew louder and louder".
The young person immediately ran for the exit, and while he managed to escape, he was injured by falling debris from the roof.
