In a somber update from East Java, Indonesia, the number of fatalities following the collapse of the Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school has tragically climbed to 54. Rescue teams are diligently continuing their search for over a dozen individuals still unaccounted for amidst the rubble. The devastating incident occurred last Monday when the two-story school building, which was reportedly undergoing construction, gave way while hundreds of students, primarily teenage boys, were gathered for prayers.
This event marks the deadliest disaster to hit Indonesia this year, according to the national disaster mitigation agency. Officials are working to determine the exact cause of the collapse, with initial suggestions pointing to potential instability in the building’s foundation.
“We have not seen this many casualties in any other disaster this year, whether natural or man-made,” stated Budi Irawan, a deputy at the disaster mitigation agency, during a press briefing. The confirmed death toll includes individuals who were rescued from the debris but succumbed to their injuries later in hospital.
The Al Khoziny school is a traditional Islamic boarding institution, often referred to as a pesantren. Many such institutions in Indonesia operate with less stringent regulations and oversight, and it remains unclear whether Al Khoziny had obtained the necessary permits for its construction work.
Rescue operations have been described as highly challenging due to the nature of the collapse, which created narrow voids making it difficult for rescuers to access trapped victims. Survivors have shared their harrowing experiences with local media. Muhammad Rijalul Qoib, a 13-year-old student, recounted hearing escalating sounds of falling rocks before managing to flee the building, albeit sustaining injuries from falling debris.