A devastating tragedy struck a century-old Islamic boarding school in East Java province, Indonesia, on Monday when a building collapsed during afternoon prayers. The disaster has left at least 91 people still trapped under massive piles of concrete debris.
The collapse occurred at the Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school. The victims were overwhelmingly teenage boys in grades seven to 12, aged between 12 and 18, as the upper floors of the structure, which were under construction, fell onto the hundreds of people praying inside. Fortunately, female students, who were praying in a different section of the building, were able to escape.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
Days after the incident, the National Disaster Management Agency confirmed the severe toll:
- Missing: At least 91 students are still unaccounted for beneath the rubble.
- Deceased: Three students have been confirmed dead.
- Injured: 100 others were injured, sustaining head injuries and broken bones.
- Survivors: 99 children and staff at the school managed to survive the initial collapse, according to Reuters.
As of Wednesday morning, more than 300 rescue workers have been deployed to search for survivors. Rescuers are desperately trying to sustain those trapped, pushing supplies of water, oxygen, and food through narrow gaps in the debris. The National Disaster Management Agency confirmed that at least six students are still alive beneath the rubble, though the heavy structure and large concrete slabs are making the rescue operation exceptionally difficult.
One relative, Holy Abdullah Arif, 49, shared his harrowing experience searching for his missing nephew, Rosi, highlighting the chaos and desperate pleas from the trapped children.
Illegal Construction Cited as Cause
Authorities have attributed the collapse to illegal construction. The prayer hall already stood at two storeys, but police confirmed that two additional storeys were being added without the required permit.
According to police, the old building’s foundation was unable to support the extra weight of concrete, eventually giving way during the process of pouring the new structure.